Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/22

 reflect one moment upon what he was, and accordingly uſe with moderation that power, which neither mental abilities, nor acknowledged virtues, but a change of climate and a ſeries of fortune have put into his hands.

I ſuppoſe a parcel of negroes to be now purchaſed,—what would be the general idea of extorted ſlavery? a ſecret ſigh, a ſullen murmur, or a deep revenge! How contrary to ſuch ſuggeſtions is the real fact? One, two, or three ſtrangers at moſt of their own colour, will lead from forty to fifty newly purchaſed from one end of the Iſland to the other; they will dance and ſing throughout the journey, without lamenting a change of life, diſſimilarity of manners, or fatigue of diſtance; but will chearfully follow whereever they are conducted, and refreſh themſelves whenever they halt, without reſentment, without ſuſpicion, without concern: nay, if one of their ſhipmates, from apparent weakneſs of conſtitution, or any accidental diſeaſe of body or mind be left unpurchaſed, he will follow his departing companions with a heavy eye: and would ſooner pine away with ſorrow at his rejection, than dread the moſt