Chapter LVII: Appendix

The British parliament having enacted a law, to the immortal honor of this country, for the abolition of the importation of slaves into our settlements in the West Indies, it remains to be ascertained how this great work of humanity can be completed, by extending it to the _emancipation_ of the slaves already in the colonies.

As a step towards the emancipation, the _abolition_ is of the highest importance; but if the parliament, having passed a decree, shall content itself without proceeding to that great ultimate object—the emancipation, England will have only the unsatisfactory consolation of exhibiting to the world an honorable and ineffectual example; while she leaves other nations to make a profit of her humanity: for, so long as slavery shall be permitted to exist in our colonies, and the African trade be continued by other countries, it may be expected that slaves will not cease to be introduced into the English settlements. Nor can the importation be prevented by any prohibitory law or regulation of the British parliament, however wise in the enactment, or vigilant in the execution; since it will be the common interest of the colonists to encourage adventurers in this illicit traffic.

It is manifest, therefore, that unless England proceed further, the abolition will be nugatory, or even worse; for it will not only be inadequate to its purpose, but it will be the means of throwing the trade into the hands of the merchants of other nations; who, in conducting it, may not be governed by the same humane regulations, which the traders of this country were compelled to observe.

It cannot be supposed that any of the friends of the abolition will be adverse to the emancipation, although various opinions may be held, respecting the best mode of effecting it. Considering themselves as following the genuine dictates of humanity, some may contend for an immediate enlargement; while others, with sounder policy, will plead for a more cautious and gradual liberation.

An abrupt and unlimited enfranchisement might prove injurious to the slave, unjust to the master, and equally cruel to both. It would have the effect of depriving the one of his bread, without teaching the other to earn it. The dark ignorance which overclouds the minds of the slaves; the bitter remembrance of former toils and severities; their natural indolence; the debilitating languor produced by the climate; and the facility of obtaining provisions without labour, would all combine to prevent them from engaging in the settled habits of daily toil. Devoid of instruction, and without any knowledge of the benefits arising from commerce and the accumulation of property, they would not discreetly meet the change to freedom, and assume, at once, the tranquil character of sober and industrious peasantry. It is even doubtful, whether, if they were hastily liberated, they could ever be brought to employ themselves in a constant round of labour: to expect it, as the necessary result of merely granting them their freedom, would be idly romantic. In their present state of ignorance, both humanity and policy are opposed to a sudden emancipation; for, instead of their situation being thereby improved, it would be rendered lamentably worse.

Having been governed by the whip, and held subservient to the will of others, they do not contemplate any intermediate stage, between the master and the slave. Accustomed to the degrading habits of bondage only, their minds are unprepared for freedom, and incapable of comprehending its high advantages. If their bonds were hastily broken, they would be all kings, and no subjects—all planters, and no labourers! In the gloomy imbecility of their uncultivated faculties they would be jealous of the whites, and suspicious of future chains: hence, to give them unbridled liberty would be to let loose an irritated race of beings, with a two-edged sword in their hands, which, in consequence of the many vices and infirmities arising from a life of slavery, they would either turn upon themselves, or wield to the destruction of those about them. They would be thrown into inveterate confusion; the cultivation of the colonies would languish; commerce would die away; and the mother-country preserving no control, all would be violence, outrage, and subversion, and they would persecute or destroy those who had governed them, until every European were exterminated from the settlements. Or, if they should not be roused to energy, by revengeful feelings and a distrust of their former rulers, they would sink into the torpid state of the uncivilized Indians, or of their darker brethren of the African forests, and relapse into a state of rude and savage nature. Their wants being few, and their food easily procured, their exertions would be only commensurate to their cravings: disdaining labour, they would repose under the soft shade of the plantain, equally regardless of the riches of commerce and the honors of industry. The yam, the plantain, and the pepper-pot, the banjar, the merry dance, and their beloved Wowski, would gratify all their wishes, and crown their highest ambition.

However simple the question of emancipation may appear, to those who reason only from an abstract principle regarding humanity and the natural rights of man, it is a subject of no less intricacy than importance. Although urgent and imperative, still it needs much and serious consideration, and cannot be acted upon without the utmost caution. To judge of it properly, requires an extensive knowledge of the interests of the colonists, an intimate acquaintance with the character and disposition of the slaves, and much information with regard to the relative policy between this country and the settlements. By hasty or inconsiderate measures a serious wound might be given to the sacred principles of humanity and justice, and infinitely more mischief than advantage would be the result.

It is possible that, by proceeding with great care and discretion, the loud calls of humanity may be obeyed, and the emancipation effected to the great benefit of the slaves, and without serious injury to their masters: but to force upon the blacks and their descendants, at all hazards, a freedom, which they know not how to value or to use, would be cruel and fatal.

It should be held, always, in remembrance that, in a mental point of view, the slaves are but as children, having their untutored minds in a more abject state of imbecility, than the lowest of the poor in the meanest state of Europe. Much has been done, during many years past, to meliorate their condition; but, in order to make it consistent with the policy of the parent-country, the safety of the West India proprietors, or the benefit of the negro race themselves, to abolish slavery altogether, this beneficent and glorious achievement must be accomplished by a steady perseverance in the use of slow and gradual means.

A general system of education and moral improvement should be established among the slaves; a due sense of their religious duties should be inculcated; and they should be taught to estimate the high value of freedom, and social intercourse: private punishments should be prohibited; all invidious distinctions between the different colours done away; and every man, of whatever hue, should be made subject to the same laws, and the same rules of government.

The degrading ignorance, the sullen perverseness, and revengeful feelings of the slaves should be softened by liberal instruction; they should be gradually associated, and brought to a level with those who are better informed, and more conversant with the arts of industry; and they should be taught to understand the advantages which would arise from continuing the cultivation and commerce of the colonies. A general change in their minds and habits, must be either in progress, or effected, before it can be safe or useful to grant them so great a boon; or, rather, to restore to them so manifest a right.

Perhaps the best preparatory step would be, to bring a considerable proportion of the _people of colour_, between the whites and the negroes, to England to be educated, together with such of the blacks themselves, as might display any peculiar marks of intellect; allowing them to return as free subjects, possessing all the privileges of citizens; and, in addition to these, annually to enfranchise a certain number of the best-disposed slaves, until the whole should be free; taking care, always to preserve a due proportion between the number educated, and the number emancipated, and to make their liberation a reward to superior merit.

In this manner, the individuals of all shades, and all degrees, might be brought to mix together as people of the same state, subject to the same laws, following the same pursuits, and feeling the same interests and propensities. The coloured inhabitants would be made fellow-citizens with the whites, and they would aspire to be—Englishmen! Among them would be found merchants and planters, as well as tradesmen, mechanics, and labourers: all hurtful jealousies would be done away, and the Africans and their offspring having acquired a knowledge of the benefits to be derived from industry, and the accumulation of property, the cultivation of the colonies would be continued, and the commercial influence preserved to the mother-country.

To attempt to enumerate the manifold advantages which would result from such a system of enfranchisement, would be to enter too much into detail. Among the most important of them would be that of preventing the sad waste of human life, and of treasure, which is at present incurred, by the necessity of sending out unacclimated Europeans to garrison the colonies, and to execute the offices of managers, clerks, book-keepers, and the like. These would not, as at present, be indispensably required. The danger of revolt and insurrection would no longer exist; and the people of colour being capable of performing all the duties of the plantation and the counting-house, they would soon become possessed of stores and estates; and the garrisons might be safely intrusted to them, as the best defenders of their own property.

England having set a generous and splendid example, in being the first to forego the unhallowed profits of a cruel and impious traffic in human beings, might it not be an object worthy the magnanimity of the Prince Regent of this nation, to carry the august work of humanity to its consummation, by establishing an institution, for the emancipation of the slaves, and for their education and improvement after they became free?

If _a school_ were endowed, somewhat upon the plan of Christ’s Hospital, or the Royal Military Asylum[20], and appropriated to the education of the creole children of colour, it would immortalize the name, and prove a lasting monument of the wisdom and benevolence of the Prince, who should have the happiness of being its founder. Such an institution might stamp the Regent’s government, which has been already distinguished by such auspicious events, with unparalleled glory. It would mark the period as an _era of humanity_, and His Royal Highness could not fail to experience the grateful reward of feeling, that his name would be uttered with prayers and blessings, not only by hundreds of thousands of fellow-beings now existing, but by millions yet unborn!

INDEX.

A.

Abbensets, Mynheer, hospitality of, i. 465, 531.

Abercromby, Sir Ralph, arrival of, at Barbadoes, i. 235.
His departure, i. 346.

Abolition, important, with a view to emancipation, ii. 525.
Nugatory, unless followed by emancipation, ii. 526.

Abstemiousness, author’s, on the voyage, i. 78.

Alligators, numerous at Berbische, i. 445.
Used as food by the negroes, i. 447.

Amsterdam, old town of, i. 473, 493.
New town of, i. 424.
A bush negro, execution of, i. 377.

Animal flower, description of the, i. 184.

Ants, construction of the nests of, ii. 149.
Used as food for chickens, ii. 150.

Ant-eater, description of the, ii. 146.

“Arcadia,” plantation, i. 349.

“Arends,” plantation, i. 482.

Army, allied, in St. Domingo, how constituted, ii. 514.
Of Toussaint, _ib._
Of Rigaud, _ib._

Assistant, medical, loss of, at Maiconny, ii. 94.

Atmosphere, its influence upon the human frame, i. 249, ii. 470.

Author, reflections of the, in Guiana, ii. 250.
His farewell from Guiana, ii. 287.
His case of yellow fever, ii. 96.
And comrades, separation of, at Spithead, i. 46.
Their detention at Barbadoes, i. 249.
Their friendly contention respecting fever, i. 250.
Their employment at Barbadoes, i. 251.
Their detention at Martinique, ii. 353.

Azores, passing the, indications of, i. 73.

B.

Ball, birth-day, at Martinique, ii. 321.

Barbadoes, general aspect of, i. 80.
Author’s landing at, i. 99.
General observations regarding, i. 275.
Its importance in the opinion of the natives, i. 277.
The Montpelier of the West Indies, i. 280.
The London of the West Indies, i. 346.
Its seasons, i. 284.
Its temperature, i. 209.
Its soil, i. 282.
Its plenteous supply of provisions, i. 258, 292.
Bridge-Town, the capital of, i. 280.
Its senate-house, i. 223.
Civility of the inhabitants of, to strangers, i. 171.
Clothing of the inhabitants of, i. 293.
Their languid pronunciation, i. 294.
Their mode of living, i. 287.
Breakfast, i. 288.
Dinner, i. 290.
State of the slaves at, i. 295.
Neglect of diseased and decrepit negroes at, _ib._
Endemic disease of, or Barbadoes leg, i. 303.
Its origin, i. 306.
Cottages of white inhabitants at, i. 309.
Cottagers, resemble their European ancestors, i. 310.
Author’s departure from, i. 320.

Barber and surgeon, Dutch association of, i. 475.

Bathing, use of, by the French, ii. 430.

Battle, effects of the preparation for, i. 331.

“Bay-house,” sumptuous entertainment at the, i. 181.

Berbische, capitulation of, to the British, i. 356.
Government-house at, i. 439.
Author’s voyage to, i. 395.

Bercheych, M. visit to, ii. 63, 146.
Peculiarities of, ii. 74.
Romantic dwelling of, ii. 67.
Visit of, at Fort St. Andrew, ii. 151.

Bird-nests, peculiar construction of, ii. 148.

Birth-day, His Majesty’s, celebration of, at Berbische, i. 441.

Blackader, Mr. his case of fever, ii. 110.

Blair, Mr. visit to the plantation of, i. 453, ii. 30.

Boat excursion, hazardous, to Mole St. Nicholas, ii. 392.

Boats, passage, pleasant, at Martinique, ii. 301.

“Bob,” Doctor, remarks of, ii. 59.

Boode, M. the successful industry of, ii. 277.

Breakfast, at Port au Prince, ii. 432.

Breeze, land, at Barbadoes, i. 81.

Brigands, daring attacks of, at sea, ii. 408, 445, 515.
Different bodies of, at St. Domingo, ii. 515.
Defeat of, by General Bowyer, ii. 519.

Bush, the forest so termed, i. 433.

C.

Cabbage-tree, description of the, i. 154.

Calm, distress occasioned by, at sea, ii. 387.

Campaign, military, reflections on a, i. 237.

Cannon, firing of, on ship-board, i. 37.
At Fort St. Andrew, i. 441.

Cap à Fou, view of, at sea, ii. 444.

Cape François, rich plain of, ii. 497.
Destroyed, ii. 502.
Town of, ii. 499.

—— St. Nicholas, town of, _ib._

Carlisle bay, enchanting view of, at sea, i. 81.
Its environs, i. _ib._
The general rendezvous, i. 64.
The Thames of the West Indies, i. 244.

Cassada, the use of, i. 383.
By the Indians, i. 504.

Cayes, les, town of, in St. Domingo, ii. 499.

Ceremony, complimentary, of cooling the person, i. 526.

Changuion, Princess, anecdotes concerning, ii. 245.

Charmilly, Monsieur de, mission of, to Jamaica, ii. 507.

Chasse-pilote, visit to the town of, ii. 312.

Chigoes, mode of extracting, i. 270.

Children, mode of carrying, in the West Indies, i. 215.
Deformed, seldom seen in the colonies, i. 216.

Christian, Admiral, arrival of, at Barbadoes, i. 346.

Christmas, a festive period in the West Indies, ii. 140.
The season of oranges, ii. 141.
Temperature, ii. 140.

Cleghorn, Doctor, arrival of, at Portsmouth, i. 27.

Climate, effect of, on European soldiers, ii. 177.
On a Dutch sailor, i. 267.
Brunonian explanation of the, i. 266.

Clouds, evening appearance of, at sea, i. 96.

Cockswain, singular address of a, ii. 216.

Codrington, or Barbadoes college, i. 191.

Coffee, a plantation of, i. 338.

Colleton estate, hospitality at the, i. 189.

Colonists, conduct of the, at St. Domingo, ii. 513.

Colony-paths, at Demarara, how formed, ii. 263.

Colour, importance of, in West Indian slavery, ii. 331.
People of, suggestion for educating the, ii. 531.
Women of, at Martinique, ii. 430.
At St. Domingo, ii. 406.
West Indian mode of providing for the, ii. 136.

“Commerce de Marseilles,” striking appearance of the, i. 54.

Complaisance, West Indian, specimen of, i. 537.

Contagion, the usual progress of, ii. 481.

Convalescents, inspection of, on board the Lion, ii. 402.

Convoy, Cork, arrival of the, i. 264.
From Spithead, delays of the, i. 232.
Return of the, i. 231.
Crowded, dangers of sailing in a, i. 63.
To Port au Prince, driven back by a storm, ii. 408.

Corn, scarcity of, in England, i. 233.

Cornwallis, Admiral, his noble retreat, i. 16.

Costume, Spanish, prevalence of, in Jamaica, ii. 337.

Cotton, mode of ginning, i. 477.

Council of government, Demarara, ii. 267.

Coup de soleil, a case of, at Berbische, i. 443.

Court of policy, how constituted, ii. 268.
Of justice, _ib._
Commissary, _ib._

Creek, Kamonuy-Woratilla-Mabeira, ii. 182, 183.

Creoles, less efficient than Europeans, ii. 172.
Why not subject to the yellow fever, ii. 475.

Croix des Bouquets, visit to the town of, ii. 437.

Cuba, view of, at sea, ii. 390.

Cul de Sac, description of the, ii. 498.
Ruinous state of the, ii. 437.

Cupid, power of, in the wild woods, i. 502.

Custom, foreign, of purloining provisions, ii. 163.

D.

“Daargradt,” plantation, i. 528.

Dancing, fondness of the French for, ii. 323, 426.
Excessive, of West Indian ladies, ii. 161.
Of slaves, i. 126.
At a wedding, ii. 325.

Dangers, slight regard of, by military men, ii. 144.

Davy, Lieutenant, hospitality and kindness of, i. 51.

Dead-lights, fixing the, at sea, i. 59.

Decree, French levelling, effects of the, ii. 437.

Delicacy, European female, injury of, i. 124, 344.

Demarara, capture of, from the Dutch, i. 328.
Robust inhabitants of, i. 337.
Coffee plantation, and orange grove at, i. 328.
Negro sale at, i. 340.
Hospitality at, i. 341.
Situation of, i. 357.
General observations relating to, ii. 258.
Prejudice against the climate of, unfounded, ii. 259.
Prolific soil of, ii. 260, 266.
Importance of, to the British, ii. 276.
Plantations of, how formed, ii. 262, 271.
Roads of, how formed, and kept in repair, ii. 263, 269.
Happy exemptions of, ii. 266.
Its seasons, ii. 267.
Its plan of government, _ib._
Wages of labour at, ii. 278.
Price of provisions, ii. 280.
Of colonial productions, _ib._
Of other articles of common use, ii. 281.

Destination, author’s probable change of, i. 8.

Diana frigate, author’s rescue on board the, i. 50.

Difficulties sometimes easily subdued, i. 459.

Dinner, at sea, description of a, i. 71.
A farmer’s, at Barbadoes, i. 202.
At Demarara, i. 381.
At Port au Prince, i. 431.

Diseases, surgical, fatality of, in Guiana, ii. 91, 284.

Distance, Dutch mode of computing, ii. 180, 226.
From Stabroek to “the falls,” _ib._

Doctors, colonial, consulted on yellow fever, ii. 57.

Dolphins, brilliant appearance of, i. 92.

Domingo, St. author ordered to, ii. 233.
Contemplations on the removal to, ii. 234.
Author’s voyage to, ii. 384.
His disappointments on arriving at, ii. 394.
General remarks relative to, ii. 492.
Discovery of, by Columbus, ii. 493.
Distance of, from England, _ib._
French division of, ii. 494.
The garden of the West Indies, ii. 496.
Sacrificed to an erroneous philosophy, ii. 501.
Effects of the revolt at, ii. 504.
Late population of, ii. 500.
Late exports from, _ib._
Importance of the waters of, ii. 498.
Hopeless invasion of, by the British, ii. 505, 516.
British ministers deceived regarding, ii. 516.
Disastrous state of the British army in, ii. 521.
Evacuation of, by General Maitland, ii. 522.
City of, when founded, ii. 493.

Dornford, Mr. perilous state of, ii. 318.
Decease of, ii. 349.

Dougan, Mr. rich plantation of, i. 350.
Kindness of, to his slaves, i. 351.
Captain, hospitality of, i. 383.

“Draxhall,” plantation, i. 195.

Drunkenness, Dutch military punishment for, ii. 22.

Dutch troops, brave conduct of, at Essequibo, ii. 116.

E.

Echo, pleasing, at Fort St. Andrew, i. 441.
Perilous, in the woods near Johanna, i. 481.

Economy, army, defects and abuses of, ii. 126.

Edmonstone, Mr. solitary abode of, ii. 185.

Edouard, Père, his treatment of fever, ii. 319.
His remarks on English practitioners, ii. 320.

Elcock, Mr. house and garden of, i. 203.

Eel, electrical, description of the, ii. 24.
Attempt of two sailors to remove it, ii. 25.

Emancipation of slaves, remarks concerning the, ii. 464.
Suggestion for effecting the, ii. 525.
Advantages of the, ii. 532.
An era of humanity, ii. 534.
Proposed institution for the, ii. 530, 533.
Probable reward of its founder, ii. 534.

Embarkation, author’s, at Port au Prince, ii. 440.

Empiricism, impolicy of encouraging, i. 214.

England, author’s delight on receiving letters from, ii. 126.
Returning to, pleasing anticipations of, ii. 117.

Englishmen, gloomy disposition of, i. 9.

“Essendam,” plantation, i. 463.

Essequibo, attack of, by the Spaniards, ii. 165.

Excursion, marooning, at Barbadoes, i. 172.
Up the river Berbische, i. 460.
General remarks upon, i. 534.
Overland, to “Arends,” i. 480.
Grotesque, from “Arends” to “Johanna,” i. 522.
Marooning, up the river Demarara, ii. 178.
General remarks concerning the, ii. 224, 231.
Memento of, left by the party, ii. 210.
Into the woods for plants, ii. 187.
Pedestrian, through the forest, ii. 192.
From the post-holder’s to “the falls,” ii. 208.

Exercise, in the West Indies, remarks upon, i. 122.

Expedition, West Indian, preparations for the, ii. 517.
Secret, from Barbadoes, i. 320.
Military, from Port au Prince, ii. 434.

Expeditions, by sea, uncertainty of, i. 208.
Suggestions for the arrangement of, i. 209.

F.

“Falls,” at Demarara, description of the, ii. 209.

Familiarity, French, remarks upon, ii. 406.

Females, French, contrasted with the English, ii. 522.

Festivities, birth-day, at Demarara, ii. 159

Fête, negro, at Berbische, i. 448.
De Dieu, ceremony of, at Martinique, ii. 338.

Fever, intermittent, a striking example of, ii. 143.
Mr. Beete’s case of, ii. 158.
Coincidence of, with the spring-tides, _ib._
Of Kent and Lincolnshire, remarks upon the, ii. 480.

——, yellow, dreadful malignity of the, ii. 60.
Prophylactic means against, ii. 62.
Supposed connexion of, with the tides, ii. 60.
Persons most frequently seized with, ii. 80, 477.
Predisposing causes of, ii. 81.
Example of the insidious attack of, ii. 82.
Assumes various types, ii. 90, 468, 481.
Striking modification of, by season, ii. 132.
Attacks repeatedly the same person, ii. 170.
Negro attendants of the sick, not subject to, ii. 484.
Exemption of the West Indian negroes from, explained, ii. 475.
Animals not exempt from, ii. 138.
Doctor E.’s remarks concerning the, ii. 254.
General observations regarding the, ii. 467.
Diminished malignity of, at St. Domingo, ii. 414.
Opinions respecting the, at Jamaica, ii. 383.
At St. Domingo, ii. 416.
Fatality of, in St. Domingo, ii. 508.
Effect of, on a party of foreign artillery, ii. 417.
Striking example of, in the crew of the Bangalore, _ib._
Sequels of the, ii. 416.
Pleasing assemblage of convalescents from, ii. 85.
Not produced by contagion, ii. 483, 478.
In what season, and situation most prevalent, ii. 485.
Blacks in the United States not exempt from, ii. 480.
Supposed pabulum of, ii. 486.
Different degrees of, ii. 490.
Marks of identity of, _ib._
Origin, and probable duration of, ii. 491.
Case of, in a soldier’s wife, ii. 447.
In an American sailor, ii. 448.
Non-existence of, in England, ii. 498.

Fibre, animal, influence of climate upon the, ii. 471.

Fight, savage, between a negro, and a mulatto woman, ii. 125.

Fireflies in Guiana, i. 355.

Fiscal, duties of the, in Dutch Guiana, ii. 269.
Le vieux, at Berbische, anecdotes of, i. 472.

Fleet, Leeward Island, sailing of the, i. 36.
Splendid appearance of, at sea, i. 57.
State of, in a storm, i. 58.
Dispersion of, by a gale, i. 40, 61.
Return of, to harbour, i. 40.
Almost incredible delay of, i. 313.
Cork, vexatious return of the, i. 251.
Arrival of the, at Barbadoes, i. 264.
Sickly state of the, i. 252.
Merchant, arrival of a, at Barbadoes, i. 257.

Flying-fish, account of the, i. 92.
Small race of, an indication of the shore, i. 94.

Forbes, General, commander in chief in St. Domingo, ii. 519.

Forces, in Guiana, interesting situation of the, ii. 115.

Forest in Guiana, peculiar stillness of the, ii. 185.

Fort Royal, at Martinique, description of, ii. 300.

Fracas, between a mulatto woman and her daughter, ii. 356.

Frame, human, accommodation of the, to different climates, ii. 469.

Frenchmen, contrasted with Englishmen, i. 10.
Facility of, in yielding to events, _ib._
Passion of, for novelty and intrigue, _ib._
For gaming, ii. 424.
For dress and dancing, ii. 426.
Rude custom of, at the public table, ii. 431.

Friends, hope of rejoining, a support in danger, i. 66.

Frivolity, French, examples of, ii. 347.

Frogs, exposure of, for sale at Martinique, ii. 359.

Fruit, plenteous supply of, in Guiana, i. 339.
Plentiful and delicious, at Jamaica, ii. 380.

Funeral, military, suspension of the ceremony of, ii. 156.
Of a child of colour, at Martinique, ii. 312.
Of a white Catholic, ii. 313.

G.

Gammell, Colonel, able command of, i. 427.
Remarks of the soldiers respecting, _ib._
Lamented death of, ii. 119.

“Garden-Eden,” plantation, ii. 218.

General Cuyler, transport, imminent peril of the, i. 240.
Arrival of the, at Barbadoes, i. 238.
Tedious passage of the, i. 242.

George and Bridget, transport, arrival of, at Barbadoes, i. 259.
The loss of the, ii. 263.

“Golden Tent,” plantation, ii. 181.

Government, wise, prevalence of virtue, the best proof of a, i. 226.

Grapes, sea, at Barbadoes, i. 142.

Grenada, island of, dangerous state of the, i. 234.
Transport, author’s embarkation in the, i. 320.
Method of preventing sickness in the, i. 328.

Grove, cocoa-nut, view of, by moonlight, i. 211.

Guadaloupe, the Circassia of the West Indies, ii. 311, 316.

Guiana, coast of, expedition to the, i. 326.
Climate of, i. 337.
Remarks relating to the natural history of, ii. 274.
Domestic fowls, and animals of, _ib._
Annoyances common to, ii. 275.

Guinea-man, American, description of an, i. 101.
Liverpool, description of a, i. 107.
The Venus, success of, against a privateer, i. 245.

H.

Habit, influence of, ii. 469.

Hackleton’s-cliff, marooning party to, i. 172.
Fine view from, i. 188.

Hammocks, great convenience of, i. 495.

Harpoons, use of, at sea, i. 90.

Harrison’s cave, description of, i. 173.

Hayes, Sir John, active service of, at Southampton, i. 4.

Health, opposite effects of industry and indolence upon, ii. 260.

“Helvetia,” plantation, i. 526.

Heritage, Captain, illness and decease of, ii. 56.

“Hermitage,” plantation, ii. 182.

“Het Pleytanker,” plantation, i. 463.

Heynemann, M. visit to, i. 484.
Household of, _ib._
Indian collection of, i. 487.
Adventures of, _ib._
Generous hospitality of, i. 510.
Excellent qualities of, i. 513.

Hilloughby, Mount, view from, i. 156.

Hinde, Dr. visit to the plantation of, i. 135.

Hollander, grotesque appearance of one, on horseback, i. 523.

Horneck, General, distressing command of, at St. Domingo, ii. 513.

Horse, author’s, loss of the, ii. 232.

Horses and mules, use of, at Port au Prince, ii. 423.

Hospital, Haslar, establishment of, i. 18.
Importance of, to the nation, i. 20.
Military, at Barbadoes, i. 210, 252, 314.
At Demarara, i. 367.
At Berbische, i. 425.
At Martinique, ii. 303.
Temporary, arrival of, at Barbadoes, i. 209.

Hospitals, military, unlimited accommodation of, ii. 450.

Hospital return, Guiana, for one year, ii. 284.
Department, St. Domingo, alterations in the, ii. 415.
Objections against, _ib._

Hospital stores, arrival of, at Demarara, ii. 248.

House, Government, at Port au Prince, description of, ii. 429.

Hugues, Victor, noble conduct of the secretary of, i. 225.

Hurricane, violent, at Portsmouth, i. 24.

I.

Indians, South American, description of, i. 514.
Termed Bucks and Buckeen, i. 487.
Different tribes of, i. 513.
Their mode of procuring subsistence, i. 503.
Dwellings of, how situated, ii. 227.
How constructed, i. 505.
Parties of, seen by the author, i. 434, 435, 437, ii. 27, 151.
Despotic towards their females, i. 520.
Polygamy practised by, i. 435, 520.
Indolence and apathy of, i. 519, 271, 273, ii. 152.
Slight curiosity of, i. 434, 493, 499, ii. 128.
Implements of, i. 535.
Their mode of sleeping, i. 492.
Superstition of, i. 505.
Apparel of, i. 516.
Parental affection of, i. 502.
Account of the poison used by, i. 489.
Their common bow and arrow, i. 487.
The poisoned arrow, i. 488.
Precaution of, during intoxication, i. 520.
Contrasted with Africans, i. 516.
Employed to cut wood, i. 436.
A hut of, visited in the night, i. 492.
Visit to a town of, i. 498, 524.
A family of, disturbed by the author, ii. 190.
Sagacity and expertness of, i. 374.

Indian women, visit to a dwelling of, i. 474.

Industry, example of the effect of, at St. Domingo, ii. 399.

Influenza, prevalence of, at St. Domingo, ii. 421.

Insects, in what situations most abundant, ii. 229.

Islands of the river Demarara, ii. 182.

J.

Jackson, Dr. directs the medical department in St. Domingo, ii. 396.
Friendly attention of, to the author, ii. 411.
His dwelling, and mode of life, ii. 412.
Opinion of, relative to yellow fever, ii. 414.

Jamaica, view of, at sea, ii. 366.
Author’s voyage to, ii. 363.
Arrival at, ii. 367.
Tavern accommodations at, ii. 382.

Jean Rabel, revolt at, ii. 510.

Jeremie, and other towns, surrender of, to the British, ii. 507.

“Joe’s River” estate, i. 179.

“Johanna,” plantation, i. 476.
Prolific garden at, _ib._

John Bull, singular liberality of, ii. 444.

K.

“Kendall” estate, peculiarities of the manager of, i. 195.

Kingston, passage to, from Port-Royal, ii. 368.
Description of, _ib._
People of colour of, ii. 370.
Common, English aspect of, ii. 378.
Ample supply of the market of, ii. 381.

Kittarines, unfrequent use of, at St. Domingo, ii. 423.

Kiwihi, an animal of Guiana, ii. 509.

Kway, an article of Indian apparel, ii. 517.

L.

Laba, the, a favorite food in South America, i. 499, ii. 213.

Labat, Père, his publication in 1701, ii. 134.

La Bourgade, quarters of the medical staff at, i. 368.
Description of the building, i. 380.
Author’s return to, ii. 89.
Temperature at, i. 385.

Lady, English, ludicrous mistake of one, ii. 123.

Land, grants of, in Dutch Guiana, ii. 270.
Upon the coast, recent cultivation of, ii. 271.
Consequences of the neglect of, ii. 274.
First view of, from the Lord Sheffield, i. 79.
Appearance of, at sea, _ib._
Muddy water, an indication of, i. 326.

Landsmen, conduct of, during a storm, i. 68.

Lassitude, morning, exemption from, in hot climates, ii. 176.

Life, military, uncertainties of, i. 45.
Civilized, estimation of, i. 66.

Lights, phenomenon of, around ships at sea, i. 94.

Lind, Dr., friendly attention of, at Spanish Town, ii. 375.

List, sick, happy reduction of the, at Demarara, ii. 164.

Lively, sloop, expedition of the, against the brigands, ii. 445.

Lodgings, extravagant hire of, at Jamaica, ii. 382.

“Loo” plantation, contrasted with the “Sand-hill,” ii. 196.
Laborious journey to the, ii. 213.
Reduced temperature at the, ii. 214.

Lord Sheffield, transport, i. 52.
Separation of, from the convoy, i. 63.
The steward of the, his sang-froid, i. 71.
Process of cleaning the, at sea, i. 84.
Arrival of the, in Carlisle bay, i. 75.
Desertion of the crew of the, i. 167.

Lucie, St. coasting view of, ii. 291.
Barren soil of, ii. 293.

“Lusignan,” plantation, prolific garden at, ii. 255.

M.

Mac ——, hospital-mate, anecdotes of, i. 259.

Mac-Rae, Captain, kindness of, to the author, ii. 108.

Maggots, breeding of, in a wounded Negro’s brain, ii. 135.

Mahaica, author’s removal to, ii. 37.
His severe duties at, ii. 38.
Situation of, ii. 41.

Manchineel tree, i. 142.

Marc, St., conspiracy at, ii. 515.

March, a healthy season, in Guiana, ii. 248.

Martinique, author’s voyage to, ii. 289.
Coasting view of, ii. 294.
Description of, ii. 308.
Fine scenery of, ii. 309.
Temperature of, ii. 317.

Master, Dr., embarkation of, for America, ii. 395.
His farewell meeting with the author, _ib._

Meat, living, purchased, at market, i. 120, ii. 475.

Mechanics, extravagant hire of, in Guiana, ii. 175.

Medicine, practitioners in, at Barbadoes, i. 212.
Mode of remunerating at Demarara, ii. 279.
At Martinique, ii. 361.

Mermaids, existence of, asserted, ii. 3.

Mills, cotton, description of, i. 214.

Mole, St. Nicholas, view of, at sea, ii. 391.
Account of, ii. 397.
Voyage to, from Port au Prince, ii. 439.
Sterile appearance of its environs, ii. 451.
Insecurity of, ii. 452.

Moon, appearance of the, at sea, i. 96.

Motherbank, author’s perilous voyage to the, i. 48.

Mulatto, cruel treatment of a, at Essequibo, ii. 142.
Description of one, singularly deformed, ii. 218.

Mulattoes, their proud ideas of distinction, ii. 29.

Mules, mode of feeding, at Martinique, ii. 357.
Utility and sagacity of, in the Alps, i. 186.

Musquitoes, i. 355, 369, 384, 532.
Absence of, in the deep forests, ii. 187, 189.
Less annoying in Martinique, than in Guiana, ii. 336.
Effect of the bitings of, ii. 337.

N.

Negroes, treatment of, on the passage from Africa, ii. 455.
Expertness of, at sea, i. 169. ii. 455.
Their food, _ib._
Their sleeping-birth, _ib._
Preparation of, for sale, ii. 456.
Sale of, i. 358, 429. ii. 236, 314.
Interesting family of, at a sale, ii. 238.
Affecting conduct of one, at a sale, i. 431.
Affection of, towards each other, i. 361, 431. ii. 238.
Their music, i. 127.
Their mode of dancing, i. 128, 448.
Their ceremony of interment, i. 130.
Their fondness for heat, i. 193, 299.
For smoking, i. 299.
For the water, i. 317.
Severe labour supported by, i. 468. ii. 216.
A French corps of, at Barbadoes, i. 208.
A corps of, entitled South American Rangers, i. 357. ii. 427.
Drilling of the “awkward squad,” ii. 128.
Doubtful policy of training, to arms, ii. 130.
How affected by change of climate, ii. 473.
Account of one denominated a white negro, ii. 241.
Account of one, a piebald negress, ii. 242.
Descent from, an indelible stain, ii. 330.

——, “Bush,” or runaway slaves, i. 370.
Expedition against the, i. 372.
Encampments of the, i. 374.
Ringleaders of the, punished, i. 376, 387.

Newland, Mr. decease and funeral of, ii. 154.

News, anxious desire for, i. 97, 129, 207. ii. 157.
On arriving in Carlisle bay, i. 98.

Newspapers, high value of, to Englishmen, i. 230.

Nichol, Mr. arrival of, at Barbadoes, i. 239.

“Notes,” author’s promise to continue the, ii. 287.

Noyeau, Martinique, ii. 359.

O.

Oars, use of, as sails, i. 169.

Obesity, the causes of, i. 522.

Officers, Bacchanalian conduct of, at Berbische, i. 448.
Assumed illness of one, at M. Heynemann’s, i. 491.
Medical, arrival of, at Demarara, ii. 116.
Fatality from fever, among the, ii. 37, 118, 305.
New regulations for, ii. 249.
Multiplied titles of the, ii. 250.

Ongre, Mynheer, plantation of, i. 440.

“Ooest Vriesland,” the residence of the Post-holder, ii. 203.

Operations, military, uncertainty of, i. 329.

Orchard, Colonel Williams’s, i. 159.

Out-posts, view of, near Port au Prince, ii. 409.

P.

Packet, arrival of the, at Barbadoes, i. 228.

Passengers, on board the Lion, ii. 402, 441.
On board the Roebuck, ludicrous conduct of, ii. 365.

Patriot, conduct of a soi-disant, ii. 235.

Peace, supposed indications of, ii. 318.

Pear, avagata, described, ii. 433.

Pelican, sloop, action of the, with a privateer, ii. 449.

“Pens” and villas, at Jamaica, ii. 377.

Petit-maitre, example of a, in the forest, ii. 197.

Petroleum, mode of procuring, at Barbadoes, i. 153.

Pezano, an eccentric character, ii. 202.
Arrival of, at the Post-holder’s, ii. 204.

Pierre, St. beautiful approach to, from the sea, ii. 295.
Description of, ii. 296.
Inhabitants of, _ib._
Accommodations at, ii. 297.
Price of provisions at, ii. 298.

Pine, culture of the, at Barbadoes, i. 163.
In England, i. 164.

Piworree, a liquor used by the Indians, i. 504.

Plants, medicinal, natural growth of, i. 441.

Plantains, an important article of food, ii. 142.

Plantations, between the rivers Demarara and Berbische, ii. 272.
Average produce of, ii. 273.
Their requisite proportion of stock, _ib._

Pleasures, alloyed by climate, i. 339.

Plunder, shameful, on board English ships, ii. 441.

Poison, and pabulum of animal life, ii. 229.

Porcupine, Peter, the writings of, ii. 404.

Porpoises, method of taking, i. 90.
Singular habit of, i. 91.

Port au Prince, author’s voyage to, ii. 401.
Observations on arriving at, ii. 409.
Morning scene at, ii. 411.
Situation and construction of, ii. 428.
Contrasted with St. Pierre, ii. 430.
Supply of provisions at, ii. 431.
The capital of the western division, ii. 499.
Capture of, by General Whyte, ii. 511.
Conspiracy at, ii. 515.

Port-Royal, extreme heat of, ii. 367.
Appearance of, in a storm, ii. 385.

Portsmouth, i. 13.
Contrasted in war and peace, i. 12.
Its dock-yard, i. 13.
Its ramparts, i. 21.
Its fortifications, _ib._
Embarkation scene at, i. 30.

Post-holder, duties of, in Guiana, i. 511.
Accommodations at the dwelling of the, ii. 206.
Re-visit to the, ii. 211.

Potatoe, altered by climate, ii. 470.

Press-gangs, in Carlisle bay, i. 220.

Prickly heat, i. 78.
Dr. Cleghorn’s impatience respecting, _ib._
Attacks the author, i. 368, 428.

Priest, author officiates as, ii. 55.

Prize-money, author’s prospect of receiving, i. 344.

Processions, funeral, depressing effect of, ii. 9.

Provisions, fresh, hurtful to the sick, ii. 157.
Scarcity of, i. 357, 382.
Purchase of, from the Spaniards, i. 357.
Supply of, at Berbische, i. 452.

Punishment, Dutch, aquatic mode of, i. 241.

Pyeis, Indian priests, i, 505.

R.

Race-course, Jamaica, ii. 376.

Rations, government, importance of, ii. 283.

Regiment, 93d, gentlemanly mess of the, i. 426.

Religion, neglect of, in the Dutch colonies, i. 337.

Roboloski, M. character and hospitality of, ii. 7.

Roebuck, packet, chased by a privateer, ii. 364.

“Runaway” estate, at Barbadoes, i. 158.

S.

Sailors, British, a race of heroes, i. 18.
Indifference of, in danger, i. 68.
Their degrees of comparison, i. 70.
Dangerous situation of a party of, i. 45.
Coarse witticisms of, i. 43.

“Sand-hill” estate, its situation—temperature—inhospitality, ii. 193,
194.

“Sans Souci,” plantation, i. 464.

St. Andrew, Fort, situation of, i. 422.

St. Vincent, island of, endangered by Charibs, i. 234.

“Savonette,” plantation, i. 492.

Scenery, change of, up the Demarara river, ii. 200.

Schacomynghy, or lion-monkey, ii. 27.

Scholten, M. chirurgien-major, at Berbische, i. 493.

Schneider, M. journey of, up the river Berbische, i. 467.

Scotland, a district in Barbadoes, i. 149.

Scotsman, eccentric life of a, at Demarara, ii. 190.

Scott, Dr. assistant inspector, at St. Domingo, ii. 396.

Season, the dry, salubrity of, ii. 111.
Pleasant approach of, ii. 175.
Happy effect of, at Mahaica, ii. 119.
Occasional showers of, i. 209.
The wet, description of, ii. 138.
Indications of, ii. 295.
At Demarara, remarks upon, ii. 253.
At Martinique, ii. 336.

Sensibility, European female, destroyed, i. 343.

Sharks, stupidity of, i. 91.
Mode of catching, _ib._

Ship, security of a, at open sea, i. 67.
Every sailor’s, the “best in the world,” i. 85.
Leaky, horrors of a, at sea, i. 241.
In distress, awful appearance of a, i. 61.

Simcoe, General, chief governor, at St. Domingo, ii. 521.

Slaves, first specimen of, seen by the author, i. 296.
Example of the labour of, at Barbadoes, i. 122.
In Guiana, i. 533. ii. 199, 214, 216, 283, 347.
At Jamaica, ii. 371.
Their hard lot, i. 216, 274, 342, 363, 388. ii. 45, 52.
Punishment of, i. 348, 389, 470. ii. 46, 174, 333.
A gang of, commanded by a female driver, ii. 121.
Character of, i. 119, 302. ii. 111, 210, 315, 354, 461, 529.
And slavery, general observations upon, ii. 454, 465.
Treatment of, by opulent planters, i. 298. ii. 459.
By poorer owners, _ib._
By the French, ii. 329.
French mode of punishing, _ib._
Their huts, i. 143
—food, i. 298
—clothing, i. 299.
Their mode of spending the Sabbath, i. 126. ii. 131.
Their ideas relative to freedom, ii. 167, 463.
To crimes and punishments, ii. 169.
Female, their views respecting liberty, ii. 168.
Solicitation of one, to be purchased, i. 342.
Their habit of thieving, i. 302.
Employed as running footmen, i. 139, 162, 482.
European feelings concerning, i. 139, 163.
Happy gang of, at Mr. Dougan’s, i. 352.
At Mr. Waith’s, i. 197.
Cottages, and gardens of, i. 353.
A shocking instance of barbarity towards, ii. 45.
Cruel punishment of one, by a Dutchman, ii. 333.
Funeral of one who was murdered, ii. 47.
Protracted sufferings of, from flogging, ii. 52.
Conduct of a captured party of, ii. 315.
Gratitude of one, named Prince, ii. 173.
Surprise of a party of, at “the Falls,” ii. 210.
Purchased to let on hire, ii. 278.
The price of, ii. 457.
Number of, in Demarara and Essequibo, ii. 277.
The sad effects of governing, ii. 462.
Remarks concerning the emancipation of, ii. 464, 525.
Probable importation of, notwithstanding the abolition, ii. 526.

Slave-trade, remarks concerning the, ii. 465.

Slavery, contrasted with military duty, ii. 130.
Its effect, in debasing the mind, i. 469, ii. 461.
On what ground condemned, ii. 460.

Slave-vendue, a fête at Berbische, i. 429.

Smoking, acquired habit of, i. 532.

Snake, an enormous one, at Berbische, ii. 2.

“Social rock,” at Colonel Williams’s, i. 160.

Soldiers, intrepid character of, i. 8.

Southampton, the camp at, i. 6.

Spanish town, author’s visit to, ii. 373.
Description of, ii. 376.
Its environs, _ib._
Remarks on the road, scenery, and traffic, ii. 374.

Specimens of Indian implements, &c. shipped for London, ii. 282.

“Spendlove” estate, i. 196.

Spithead, a severe gale at, i. 40.

Spring, boiling, description of a, i. 151.

Spy, a French one, at Barbadoes, i. 234.

Stabroek, town of, i. 332.
Hospitality of an inhabitant of, i. 334.

Stadtholder, his birth-day festivities, ii. 235.

Stanley, transport, supposed loss of the, i. 41.
Arrival of the, at Barbadoes, i. 99.

Stewart, Mr. his plantation of ginger, i. 188.

Stone, a rock of, novelty of viewing, ii. 208.

Sugar, mode of claying, i. 194.

Sun and moon, view of the, from the ocean, i. 95.

Supper, a Dutch lady’s, ii. 162.
—scene, at Martinique, ii. 323.

Surgeons, regimental, new regulations for, ii. 249.

T.

Tamarind tree, description of the, i. 246.
Its fruit disregarded, i. 247.

Temperature, at Barbadoes, i. 209, 256.
At Demarara, i. 385. ii. 120, 190, 212, 214, 224.
At Jamaica, ii. 380.
In different colonies, remarks upon, ii. 419.
Extreme, at mid-day, in a calm, ii. 388.

Tiburon, unsuccessful attack of, by the British, ii. 508.
Successful, ii. 509.
Unsuccessful attack of, by Rigaud, ii. 510.
Successful, ii. 513.

Tides, supposed influence of, in fever, ii. 60, 109, 125.

Tigre, ship of war, state of, after a battle, i. 16.

Tonquin bean, enormous tree of the, i. 507.

Towns, site of, usually ill-chosen, ii. 422, 488.

Trade-wind, cordial welcome of the, i. 76.

Transmigration, belief of negroes in, i. 133.

Transports, for troops, observations on, i. 253.
Contrasted with slave-ships, i. 254.

Travelling, West Indian mode of, i. 481.

Trees, enormous growth of, in South America, ii. 211.

Tropic, ceremony at crossing the, i, 86.

Turtle, abundant in St. Domingo, ii. 381.
Given to the sick, ii. 450.
—shells, use of, in Jamaica, _ib._

U.

Ulysses, author’s embarkation on board the, i. 29.
Inconvenient accommodations of the, i. 33.
Her altered destination, i. 45.

United States, author’s intended visit to the, ii. 453.

V.

Van Battenburg, Governor, author’s introduction to, i. 439.
His accurate knowledge of the English language, i. 449.
Hospitality of, i. 439, 452.
Madame, i. 251.

Vandyke, deputy post-holder, i. 494.

Vegetables, rapid growth of, in St. Domingo, ii. 400.

“Vigilantie,” plantation, i. 469.

Voltigeur, sloop, execrable accommodations of the, i. 396.
Author’s sufferings on board the, i. 397.
Her repeated disasters and delays, i. 403.

W.

Waith, Mr. humane character of, i. 200.

War, vicissitudes of, i. 28.

Washing process, in Barbadoes, i. 146.

Water, Thames, depuration of, at sea, i. 39.
Scarcity of, in Guiana, ii. 176.
How obtained, in the dry season, ii. 266.
How supplied, at Port au Prince, ii. 422.
Lucid appearance of, in the river Berbische, i. 535.
Drinking, prejudice against, in the West Indies, i. 250.

West Indies, picture of the, correctly anticipated, i. 80.
Example of danger, from the climate of the, ii. 115.
The grave of Europeans, i. 7.

West Indian, tavern, description of a, i. 110.
Hostess, i. 114.
Dinner, i. 112.
Attendants, i. 114.
Harbours, the drawing-rooms of merchantmen, i. 84.

Whyte, General, arrival of, at St. Domingo, ii. 511.
Captures Port au Prince, _ib._
His return to England, ii. 513.
To St. Domingo, ii. 519.
Humanity of, to the sick, i. 366.
Author joins, at Port au Prince, ii. 410.

Wife, a colonist’s, inhumanity of, i. 369.
A soldier’s, remarks of, at a negro dance, i. 129.

Williams, Colonel, visit to, at Barbadoes, i. 147.

Williamson, Sir Adam, deceived by colonists of St. Domingo, ii. 516.
Appointed governor-general of St. Domingo, ii. 517.

Wine, method of cooling, in the West Indies, i. 113.

Wool, influence of climate upon, ii. 470.

Y.

Yaw-house, description of a, i. 457.

Young, Mr. his account of fever in the ship Bangalore, ii. 417.

Yowahoos, evil spirits, of the Indians, i. 505.

Z.

“Zuidwyk,” plantation, ii. 5.

THE END.

S. Gosnell, Printer, Little Queen Street, London.

-----

Footnote 1:

Dr. Monro.

Footnote 2:

Some medical men contend that fevers which are communicated by
contagion, cannot attack the same person twice. If there be any
foundation for the opinion, it may stand as an additional proof that
the yellow fever is not a contagious disease.

Footnote 3:

Many of these worse than useless distinctions have lately been done
away, and some general regulations established; but still the system
is incomplete; and much yet remains to be done, before the medical
department can take on that uniformity of character, or proceed with
that uniformity of movement, which is requisite in so important a
branch of the military body.——1805.

Footnote 4:

This regulation, which certainly had its advantages, has been found a
source of cavil and vexation, and it has since been made an order of
government that the fiscal should have his specific reward, and the
whole of the fines be devoted to the ways and means of the colony. But
it is to be feared, that this arrangement may make him less zealous in
executing the duty, and that the roads and bridges may not,
henceforth, be found in such excellent repair.

Footnote 5:

The Dutch weights and measures exceed by about ¹⁄₁₂th part those of
England.

Footnote 6:

Since these notes were written the number of estates has much
increased, and several that were only planted with cotton, now produce
the most luxuriant crops of sugar.

Footnote 7:

A large species of wasp.

Footnote 8:

Already increased to upwards of 80,000.——1805.

Footnote 9:

Unhappily, with a view to make the sea voyage as short as possible,
Dr. Master took his passage on board a vessel bound to South Carolina,
where the climate was not less insalubrious than at St. Domingo, and
where, soon after his arrival, he relapsed, and fell a victim to
disease.

Footnote 10:

The pen and the politics of this author have since made him generally
known to the British public.

Footnote 11:

In the “Select and posthumous Works” of the celebrated Monsieur de la
Harpe, it is related, that at a French table in 1788, where the
company was numerous and fashionable, “Chamfort had been reading some
of his impious and libertine tales, and the fine ladies had heard them
without once making use of their fans.”

Footnote 12:

Small carriages drawn by single horses.

Footnote 13:

Many excellent laws have been enacted in various colonies, for the
protection of the negroes; but as the testimony of a slave is not
admitted in evidence, these laws are of little avail.

Footnote 14:

These remarks were written in the year 1797; since which, the African
slave-trade has been abolished, by an act of Parliament.

Footnote 15:

It is probable that our troops might be rendered nearly as effective
for service in the West Indies, as in Europe, if it were possible, in
all cases, to prepare them for the climate by slow and gradual
approaches; as, for instance, by first letting them serve, for a time,
at Gibraltar, and afterwards employing them, for a year or two, in the
more windward islands, such as Barbadoes or Antigua, before they were
sent upon duty to the other colonies.

Footnote 16:

In the year 1793, a body of emigrants from St. Domingo, amounting to
upwards of 300 in number, who had made their escape from that colony,
under all the circumstances of the most afflicting depression, arrived
at Philadelphia, at the time when the yellow fever raged with its
utmost malignity; yet, not one of them was attacked with the malady,
which was then desolating the town. As if expressly to make this fact
the more striking, it happened likewise that the emigrants who arrived
at the same distressing period, from Ireland, the States of Germany,
and other parts of Europe were attacked by the fever, even in greater
proportion than the Americans themselves. It is not the property of
any contagion to exhibit such marked partialities. The autumnal
temperature of Philadelphia was congenial to the emigrants from St.
Domingo: they were acclimated, and therefore not susceptible of the
disease; while those from Europe, being the inhabitants of colder
regions, were in a peculiar degree predisposed.

Footnote 17:

This letter has been altered since it was originally written, and the
author has availed himself of the facts stated by Mr. Bryan Edwards,
in his “History of the British Colonies in the West Indies.”

Footnote 18:

The following summary is given, by Mr. Bryan Edwards, of the state of
agriculture, and of the average exports, in the French division of St.
Domingo, at the beginning of the year 1790.

ESTATES.
431 Plantations of clayed sugar.
362 ——————— moscovado.
—————
793

3,117 Plantations of coffee.
789 ——————— cotton.
3,160 ——————— indigo.
54 ——————— cocoa.
623 Smaller settlements of grain, yams, and other vegetables.
—————
8,536 Establishments of all kinds throughout the colony.

EXPORTS. _lbs._ _Value in Livres._ Clayed sugar 58,642,214 41,049,549 Moscovado sugar 86,549,829 34,619,931 Coffee 71,663,187 71,663,187 Cotton 6,698,858 12,397,716 Indigo, hhds. 951,607 8,564,463 Melasses, hhds. 23,061 2,767,320 An inferior sort of rum called taffia, hhds. 2,600 312,000 Raw hides, No. 6,500 52,000 Tanned ditto, No. 7,900 118,500 ——————————— Total value at the ports of shipping, in livres of St. Domingo[19] 171,544,666 ———————————

Footnote 19:

Being equal to £4,956,780 sterling.

Footnote 20:

The principal establishment might be fixed in or near London, and this
might be connected with collateral schools, as branches of the same
institution, in the several colonies; the whole being subject to the
management of a board or committee, appointed expressly for conducting
the affairs of the emancipation; and so regulated as to receive the
approbation and assistance of the West India proprietors. In doing
justice to the slaves, due care should be taken _to provide a full
compensation for their owners_; otherwise, no plan of enfranchisement
can be equitable, or administered with a fair prospect of proving
beneficial to the colonies. In the measure now suggested, this might
form a constituent part of the arrangement: a moderate tax might be
raised, both in this country and the settlements, for the combined
purpose of aiding the emancipation, and supplying the compensation.

As the system would be progressive in its operation, a very large sum
would not be immediately required: perhaps an adequate fund might be
derived from the following sources:

1. An appropriation of the “King’s Tax,” now levied in some of the
colonies, and an extension of it, to all the British settlements in
the West Indies.

2. A Sunday toll, to be collected at every toll-gate throughout the
United Kingdom.

3. Voluntary contributions, and collections after charity sermons, to
be preached half-yearly on the subject of the emancipation, in every
church, chapel, and licensed place of worship in Great Britain and
Ireland.

If these means should appear to be insufficient, it may be presumed
that, at this happy period of diminishing the national burthens, few
Englishmen could refuse themselves the gratification of promoting such
a benevolent cause, by contributing ten or fifteen shillings per cent.
according to the rate of the tax on property.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

● Typos fixed; non-standard spelling and dialect retained. ● Used numbers for footnotes, placing them all at the end of the last chapter. ● Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. ● Enclosed blackletter font in =equals=.