Page:Abstract of the evidence for the abolition of the slave-trade 1791.djvu/172

( 138 ) impossible to know till towards the close of the day, whether a slave would or would not finish his task, and it was thought time enough to punish when the negroes deserved it.

This politick [sic] method of working by task has been tried in Jamaica. Mr. Fitzmaurice hired sixty negroes, all Americans, from a Mr. Douglas who resided there, and employed them in this manner. They had a task measured out to them every morning by Mr. Douglas or his overseer, and which they finished by one or two o'clock, and had the rest of the day to themselves. The driver carried no whip, and only went occasionally to see that the work was properly done.

It will now be evident to the reader how much the introduction of task-work into the West Indies would add to the ease and comfort, and of course to the natural increase, of the slaves; for, by this wise and politick [sic] method, the work is apportioned to the strength of the slaves, and the weak are not obliged to keep up with the strong. The whip also, by which they are incessantly harassed, is avoided. This alone is of great importance. Mr. Crew thinks the use of the whip formed a difference in the treatment of American and West Indian slaves greatly to the disadvantage of the latter. They have also, by means of the system recommended, the important advantage of a part of the afternoon and evening to themselves, in which they can cultivate their little portions of lands, prepare their provisions, and yet have sufficient time to rest: all which would greatly add to the comfort of their lives.

If there should be any objection to the introduction of task-work into the West India islands, after what has been said, it can only arise from a supposition, that the slaves getting their work done by two or three in the afternoon, cannot do so much for their owner, as those who work till sun-set, on the present system. The very reverse, however, is the case: for Mr. Fitzmaurice observes, that those negroes whom he employed by task in