Page:Abstract of the evidence for the abolition of the slave-trade 1791.djvu/87

( 53 ) The general treatment, however, is described to be very severe. Some speak more moderately than others upon it, but all concur in the general usage as being bad. Mr. Woolrich, examined upon this point, says, that he never knew the best master in the W. Indies use his slaves so well as the worst master his servants in England; that their state is inconceivable; that it cannot be described to the full understanding of those who have never seen it, and that a sight of some gangs would convince more than all words. Others again make use of the words, "used with great cruelty, — like beasts, or worse:" and the Dean of Middleham, after balancing in his mind all his knowledge upon this subject, cannot say, (setting aside on one hand particular instances of great severity, and on the other hand particular instances of great humanity) that treatment altogether humane and proper was the lot of such as he had either observed or heard of.

Become either plantation, or in- and out-door slaves.

To come to a more particular description of their treatment, it will be proper to divide them into different classes. The first may be said to consist of those who are bought for the plantation use. These will be artificers of various descriptions, and the field slaves.— The second will consist of what may be termed In- or Out-door slaves. The former are domesticks both in town and country, and the latter porters, fishermen, boatmen, and the like.

Labour of the field slaves out of Crop.

The field slaves, whose case is the first to be considered, are called out by day-light to their work. For this purpose the shell blows, and they hurry into the field. If they are not there in time they are flogged. When put to their work, they perform it in rows, and without exception under the whip of drivers, a certain number of whom are allotted to each gang. By these means the weak are made to keep up with the strong. Mr. Fitzmaurice is sorry to say, that from this cause many of them are hurried to the grave, as the able, even if