The Archdeacon informed us that the number of churches and clergymen had increased since emancipation; religious meetings were more fully attended, and the instructions given had manifestly a greater influence.  Increased attention was paid to education also.  Before emancipation the planters opposed education, and as far as possible, prevented the teachers from coming to the estates.  Now they encouraged it in many instances, and where they do not directly encourage, they make no opposition.  He said that the number of marriages had very much increased since the abolition of slavery.  He had resided in Barbados for twelve years, during which time he had repeatedly visited many of the neighboring islands.  He thought the negroes of Barbadoes were as well prepared for freedom in 1834, as those of Antigua, and that there would have been no bad results had entire emancipation been granted at that time.  He did not think there was the least danger of insurrection.  On this subject he spoke the sentiments of the inhabitants generally.  He did not suppose there were five planters on the island, who entertained any fears on this score now.

On one other point the Archdeacon expressed himself substantially thus:  The planters undoubtedly treated their slaves better during the anti-slavery discussions in England.

The condition of the slaves was very much mitigated by the efforts which were made for their entire freedom.  The planters softened down, the system of slavery as much as possible. They were exceedingly anxious to put a stop to discussion and investigation.

Having obtained a letter of introduction from an American merchant here to a planter residing about four miles from town, we drove out to his estate.  His mansion is pleasantly situated on a small eminence, in one of the coolest and most inviting retreats which is to be seen in this clime, and we were received by its master with all the cordiality and frankness for which Barbados is famed.  He introduced us to his family, consisting of three daughters and two sons, and invited us to stop to dinner.  One of his daughters, now here on a visit, is married to an American, a native of New York, but now a merchant in one of the southern states, and our connection as fellow countrymen with one dear to them, was an additional claim to their kindness and hospitality.

He conducted us through all the works and out-buildings, the mill, boiling-house, caring-house, hospital, store-houses, &c.  The people were at work in the mill and boiling-house, and as we passed, bowed and bade us “good mornin’, massa,” with the utmost respect and cheerfulness.  A white overseer was regulating the work, but wanted the insignia of slaveholding authority, which he had borne for many years, the whip.  As we came out, we saw in a neighboring field a gang of seventy apprentices, of both sexes, engaged in cutting up the cane, while others were throwing it into carts to be carried to the mill.  They were all as quietly and industriously at work as any body of our own farmers or mechanics.  As we were looking at them, Mr. C., the planter, remarked, “those people give me more work than when slaves.  This estate was never under so good cultivation as at the present time.”