Page:Eleventh annual report of the Association for the Religious Instruction of the Negroes, in Liberty County, Georgia.djvu/24

20 past. But much, very much remains to be accomplished. I am satisfied as a mere matter of economy it is far better for those who are settling plantations with a view to permanency, to put up, in the beginning, the most substantial houses tor their negroes and make, them as comfortable as possible. If this cannot be done at once, let it be done by degrees. In a few years, as much is lost in time and trifling expenses in putting up and repairing poor houses as would have sufficed to put up at the first, houses of the best kind: the plantation the meanwhile presenting the appearance of desertion and dilapidation. The best things are most highly prized and commonly most carefully preserved.

In this conviction I can but express, as one deeply interested in the moral and religious condition of the Negroes, my desire for the prosperity of the Agricultural Society, recently formed in this County: because I believe that such a Society properly conducted and covering all subjects and objects coming legitimately within its cognizance, must result in good to the labouring class of our population, and be an auxiliary to the work undertaken by this Association. Such Society must promote the intelligence and activity of Planters, lead to experiments and improvements in soils and manures and modes of cultivation and management, induce a more satisfied and home-feeling, for finding that they can do well on their present lands, Planters will be freed from that bane of all peace and improvement, a desire of removal, and they will consequently take greater pains to have their places better settled and more attractive and comfortable, both to themselves and their people. The formation of Agricultural Societies, in the older settled regions of the South we hail as an omen for good. They have already accomplished much: both Masters and Servants have experienced their beneficial influence.

Every plantation, of ordinary size, ought to have a Chapel, or a room, fitted up for the accommodation of the people in their social worship. A Chapel adds much to the finish of a plantation even if an owner would do no more than consult appearances. Many funerals do I attend in the open air and most of my plantation meetings are held in the houses of the people which are generally too small, or in plantation houses of one kind and another which are open, cold and uncomfortable. — I have never complained of these accommodations, nor do I now. The Planters have uniformly received me with the greatest kindness, and