Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/18

 has a right to deprive them of, may be ſurely forgiven by the independent, and pardoned by the juſt: that many have periſhed on the voyage for want, and that many have been thrown over board, or left to ſtarve upon iſlands, inacceſſible to relief, or pity, has been too generally credited to remain a doubt. If theſe inſtances of cruelty have happened, the utmoſt efforts of human prudence ſhould be exerted, that they may not occur again.

When theſe unhappy creatures arrive at their deſtined port, particular care is taken to make their ſkins have a gloſſy appearance (this being a ſtrong indication of health) to have their heads ſhaved, wholly or fantaſtically, to have their joints oiled, and to make them practiſe ſudden riſing, leaping, or any action that will give vigour to their limbs. If the cargo be much reduced they are often kept back to recruit (for negroes will thrive in indolence, and gain fleſh, as is obvious, under inoculation: ) If plump and healthy they