Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/69

 others who become willing ones by a ſale of their indentures to thoſe very people whom the European attacks with ſo much rancour on the ſcore of humanity abroad. Although a creole myſelf, I ſhall hope to be excuſed if I vindicate the feelings of my country. Let not a planter be blamed for the act of his agent, nor that agent be cenſured for that barbarity which abſent he could not remedy, but which preſent he would ſcorn to juſtify. I do not deny but there are many wanton acts of barbarity committed upon the perſons of the dependent ſlaves, I likewiſe confeſs that they go unpuniſhed (a reflection upon the weakneſs of our laws) when the perpetrator ſhould be followed with ignominy, if not with death. The abuſes in the colonies are certainly great; and if a more tender ſyſtem of management were to be introduced, which certainly might for the comfort of the ſlave, and the advantage of the planter; it would be a precedent in the annals of England, that would be held forth as an example of virtuous emulation to ſucceeding ages: but let not humanity be too ſanguine, be too haſty in its firſt attempt! Deliberation is the parent of ſucceſs;