“Colonel Brown stated, that since emancipation he had never been without a sufficient number of laborers, and he was certain he could obtain as many more to-morrow as he should wish.”

The general confidence in the beneficial results of emancipation, has grown stronger with every succeeding year and month.  It has been seen that freedom will bear trial; that it will endure, and continue to bring forth fruits of increasing value.

The Governor informed us that “it was universally admitted, that emancipation had been a great blessing to the island.”

In a company of proprietors and planters, who met us on a certain occasion, among whom were lawyers, magistrates, and members of the council, and of the assembly, the sentiment was distinctly avowed, that emancipation was highly beneficial to the island, and there was not a dissenting opinion.

“Emancipation is working most admirably, especially for the planters.  It is infinitely better policy than slavery or the apprenticeship either.” —­Dr. Ferguson.

“Our planters find that freedom answers a far better purpose than slavery ever did.  A gentleman, who is attorney for eight estates, assured me that there was no comparison between the benefits and advantages of the two systems.”—­Archdeacon Parry.

“All the planters in my neighborhood (St. Philip’s parish) are highly pleased with the operation of the new system.”—­Rev. Mr. Jones, Rector of St. Philip’s.

“I do not know of more than one or two planters in the whole island, who do not consider emancipation as a decided advantage to all parties.” —­Dr. Daniell.

That emancipation should be universally regarded as a blessing, is remarkable, when we consider that combination of untoward circumstances which it has been called to encounter—­a combination wholly unprecedented in the history of the island.  In 1835, the first year of the new system, the colony was visited by one of the most desolating hurricanes which has occurred for many years.  In the same year, cultivation was arrested, and the crops greatly reduced, by drought.  About the same time, the yellow fever prevailed with fearful mortality.  The next year the drought returned, and brooded in terror from March until January, and from January until June:  not only blasting the harvest of ’36, but extending its blight over the crops of ’37.

Nothing could be better calculated to try the confidence in the new system.  Yet we find all classes zealously exonerating emancipation, and in despite of tornado, plague, and wasting, still affirming the blessings and advantages of freedom!