Page:Abstract of the evidence for the abolition of the slave-trade 1791.djvu/95

( 61 ) who form the remaining part of the plantation slaves, they are described as having in general a more certain allowance of provisions, and as being better off.

Situation of the In-and-out-door Slaves.

Having now described the state of the plantation, it will be proper to say a few words on that of the In-and- Out-door slaves. The In-door slaves, or domestics, are allowed by all the evidences to be better clothed, and less worked than the others, and invariably to look better. Some, however, complain of their being much pinched for food, and the women often so as to be driven to prostitution, but the general account is that they are better fed than the field slaves, Their life, however, is described to be often wretched by being continually under the eye of their masters and mistresses, and therefore continually subject to be teized [sic] and mortified at their caprice, so that Forster, (as will be explained hereafter) thinks their situation even harder in this respect than that of the field slaves, and Coor has known many of them wish to be sent into the field.

With respect to the Out-door slaves, several persons, who have a few slaves, and little work, allow them to work out, and oblige them to bring home three or four bits a day. The situation of these is considered to be very hard, for they are often unable to find work, and to earn the stated sum. and yet, if they fail, they are severely punished. Mr. Clappeson has known them steal grass, and fell it, to make up the sum required.

In this description may be ranked such as follow the occupation of porters. These are allowed to work out, and at the end of the week obliged to bring home to their masters a certain weekly sum. Their situation is much aggravated by having no fixed rates. If, says Forster, on being offered too little for their work they remonstrate, they are often beaten, and receive nothing, and should