Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/74

 of their cuſtoms, manners, and tongue? The degradation of their condition muſt very much depreſs the exertions of the mind; for being without the gratifications of their wiſhes, but ſubject to their fears, it is not to be wondered at if with the principle, they loſe the appearance of action. Thoſe who are inhumanly forced from real attachments in their native country, are much to be pitied, and the ſeducers deſerve to feel the utmoſt weight of their reſentment: Thoſe who are ſold to avoid a cruel ſlavery, or a painful, and lingering death at home, may conſider, for what we know, their altered condition as their deliverance; and this I am apt to believe they frequently do, from that general patience and reſignation, and ſeeming chearfulneſs which is obſerved to prevail amongſt them all when purchaſed.

That they leave a bad climate for one that is better, for one in which their natural wants may be as eaſily provided, and without that riſk and labour which muſt attend a life of conſtant warfare, can hardly be denied. If they have wives, children, and connections upon the property, thoſe attachments are encouraged and preſerved from intereſt, that primum mobile of the actions of men: