In Barbadoes there are seven special magistrates, presiding over as many districts, marked A, B, C, &c., which include the whole of the apprentice population, praedial and non-praedial.  These districts embrace an average of twelve thousand apprentices—­some more and some less.  All the complaints and difficulties which arise among that number of apprentices and their masters, overseers and book-keepers, are brought before the single magistrate presiding in the district in which they occur.  From the statement of this fact it will appear in the outset either that the special magistrates have an incalculable amount of business to transact, or that the conduct of the apprentices is wonderfully peaceable.  But more of this again.

About a week following our first interview with his excellency, Sir Evan McCregor, we received an invitation to dine at Government House with a company of gentlemen.  On our arrival at six o’clock, we were conducted into a large antechamber above the dining hall, where we were soon joined by the Solicitor-General, Hon. R.B.  Clarke.  Dr. Clarke, a physician, Maj.  Colthurst, Capt.  Hamilton, and Mr. Galloway, special magistrates.  The appearance of the Governor about an hour afterwards, was the signal for an adjournment to dinner.

Slavery and emancipation were the engrossing topics during the evening.  As our conversation was for the most part general, we were enabled to gather at the same time the opinions of all the persons present.  There was, for aught we heard or could see to the contrary, an entire unanimity of sentiment.  In the course of the evening we gathered the following facts and testimony: 

1.  All the company testified to the benefits of abolition.  It was affirmed that the island was never in so prosperous a condition as at present.

2.  The estates generally are better cultivated than they were during slavery.  Said one of the magistrates: 

“If, gentlemen, you would see for yourselves the evidences of our successful cultivation, you need but to travel in any part of the country, and view the superabundant crops which are now being taken off; and if you would satisfy yourselves that emancipation has not been ruinous to Barbadoes, only cast your eyes over the land in any direction, and see the flourishing condition both of houses and fields:  every thing is starting into new life.”

It as also stated that more work was done during the nine hours required by law, than was done during slavery in twelve or fifteen hours, with all the driving and goading which were then practised.