Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/23

 moſt inhuman ſituation to which his own fears, or the apprehenſions of his countrymen might reduce him.

If the negroes were particularly addicted to revenge, they would have frequent and ſecret opportunities of gratifying, with all its horrors, this implacable and infernal paſſion. I think them more inclinable to forgive than reſent an injury, they will quarrel indeed moſt violently with their tongues, but ſeldom with their hands, and there cannot be much to dread from their general indolence and timidity. The Coromantee negroes are, it muſt be confeſſed, of a more ſavage appearance and intrepid temper; but as they are ſeldom brought ſo young to the country as thoſe of other nations, and indignant at the idea of labour ſoon pine in ſullenneſs, or ſink their ſpirits in their pride, I would not depend too much upon their exertions, nor flatter myſelf with a continuity of their ſtrength. Nowithſtanding the great. predilection for this people I have ſeldom known them anſwer upon an eſtate;—on the contrary—I have been more unlucky myſelf in the purchaſe of theſe ſlaves than in thoſe