11.  The most prejudiced planters would not return to the old system if they possibly could.  They admit that they get more work from the laborers than they formerly did, and they are relieved from a great responsibility.

12.  It is my opinion that if entire emancipation had taken place in 1834, no more difficulty would have followed beyond what we may naturally expect in 1810.  It will then take two or three months before the emancipated people finally settle themselves.  I do not consider the apprentice more fit or better prepared for entire freedom now than he was in 1834.

13.  I consider, most undoubtedly, that emancipation has been a decided blessing to the colony.

14.  They are much disposed to purchase the remainder of the apprenticeship term.  Their conduct after they become free is good.

I hope the foregoing answers and information may be of service to you in your laudable pursuits, for which I wish you every success.

I am, gentlemen, your ob’t serv’t,

Jos.  Hamilton, Special Justice.

TESTIMONY OF CLERGYMEN AND MISSIONARIES.

There are three religious denominations at the present time in Barbadoes—­Episcopalians, Wesleyans, and Moravians.  The former have about twenty clergymen, including the bishop and archdeacon.  The bishop was absent during our visit, and we did not see him; but as far as we could learn, while in some of his political measures, as a member of the council, he has benefited the colored population, his general influence has been unfavorable to their moral and spiritual welfare.  He has discountenanced and defeated several attempts made by his rectors and curates to abolish the odious distinctions of color in their churches.

We were led to form an unfavorable opinion of the Bishop’s course, from observing among the intelligent and well-disposed classes of colored people, the current use of the phrase, “bishop’s man,” and “no bishop’s man,” applied to different rectors and curates.  Those that they were averse to, either as pro-slavery or pro-prejudice characters, they usually branded as “bishop’s men,” while those whom they esteemed their friends, they designated as “no bishop’s men.”

The archdeacon has already been introduced to the reader.  We enjoyed several interviews with him, and were constrained to admire him for his integrity, independence and piety.  He spoke in terms of strong condemnation of slavery, and of the apprenticeship system.  He was a determined advocate of entire and immediate emancipation, both from principle and policy.  He also discountenanced prejudice, both in the church and in the social circle.  The first time we had the pleasure of meeting him was at the house of a colored gentleman in Bridgetown where we were breakfasting.  He called in incidentally, while we were sitting at table, and exhibited all the familiarity of a frequent visitant.