s I could learn, no such event
was to be expected.

Far be it from me to stand forward as the advocate of personal
bondage in the abstract--it is a grievous evil; and wherever men
are so far civilized as to render its abolition desirable, it is
an evil which ought to be abolished. But it is an evil of long
standing, authorized in the Bible, and therefore, we may presume,
not without its counterbalancing benefits. He, therefore, who
would seek, at all hazards and under all circumstances, to
dissolve the tie which binds a master to his slave, and a slave
to his master--whilst he would be doing that which the Apostles
never did, and which Christians are nowhere commanded to
do--would run no slight hazard of causing a quantity of mischief
to both parties, for which the benefits bestowed upon either
would not compensate. With respect to our own colonies, in
particular, it is manifest that the whole matter resolves itself
into one consideration. If the negroes be in such a state, as
that the boon of universal freedom would be productive to them of
universal benefit, by all means let it be bestowed at once, even
though it be attended by so much national expense, as the fair
demands of the proprietors for compensation shall impose upon us.
If they be not thus situated, let every practicable method be
adopted to advance them on the scale of civilization; but till
they be advanced far beyond their present station, let no false
hopes be excited that the moment of their liberation is at
hand. Many measures for their improvement have been adopted since
the year 1814, and many more are in daily process of adoption;
but it is greatly to be apprehended that much of the benefit
which these measures promised to bring about, has been obstructed
by the indiscreet zeal of those who profess, and probably feel,
the liveliest interest in their welfare.

Besides adding to my stock of knowledge as to the cultivation of
the sugar-cane, the making of sugar, rum, &c. &c.; I had an
opportunity of seeing something of the Maroons, or free Negroes,
who inhabit the mountains. These people dwell apart from the
European settlers, holding very little intercourse with them,
though a single European generally resides in each of their
villages, as a sort of chief or magistrate. They struck me to be
a lazy, indolent, and harmless race of human beings; and they
formed, in all their habits, a striking contrast with their
enslaved brethren. Whilst th