Page:Abstract of the evidence for the abolition of the slave-trade 1791.djvu/120

( 86 ) If it should be asked here, whether some new laws have not lately passed the legislature of some of the islands with a view of amending the situation of the slaves, it must be answered in the affirmative. The first is the celebrated consolidated act of Jamaica, and the other is an act of the assembly of Grenada, entitled "an act for the better protection and promoting the increase and population of slaves." These acts, however, the evidence obliges us to observe, never originated in any intention to serve the slaves, and are in reality of little or no use.

Captain Giles, who was in Jamaica both before and since the passing of the consolidated act, gives his evidence without any distinction of this epoch, and as if no difference had happened in the treatment of the slaves.

Mr. Cook, long resident also in the same island, and since the passing of the act, knows of no legal protection that slaves have against injuries from their masters.

Mr, Clappeson, examined expressly on the subject, says that he was in Jamaica when the assembly passed the consolidated law. He has often heard it was passed because of the stir in England about the slave-trade. He never heard that any regard was paid to it, slaves being still treated as before: nor did he ever hear of any prosecution for such disregard. He recollects an instance of disregard to it, which came under his eye. The owner of an old and decrepid [sic] female slave would allow her neither victuals nor clothing; upon which he advised a son of the woman to complain to a magistrate, who would perhaps order her to be taken care of, if he regarded the law; but he believes he was deterred from fear of punishment, as that owner treated his slaves very harshly in general.

With respect to the other act, namely that passed in Grenada, Mr. J. Terry says, that the opinion there upon passing it was, that it never would have the intended effect. He did not observe it make any difference, except in the half days in the week. The clergyman of the parish