better than a curse.  Every thing hangs on the inquiry whether the emancipated or their former masters are chargeable with whatever there is of ruin in the “fine island” of Jamaica.  Says Mr. Sturge, in laying these letters before the public, “it should be clearly understood that the fee simple of all negro houses in Jamaica is not worth L10 each on an average, and that their provision grounds have been brought into cultivation by the negroes themselves in their own time.”

Extract of a letter from a Missionary:—­

Savannah-la-Mar, Sept. 8, 1838.

MY DEAR SIR,—­You are probably aware that the following question has been submitted by the Governor to the Attorney-General for his opinion: 

(copy.)

(No. 844.) King’ House, Aug. 27, 1838.

SIR,—­I am desired by the Governor to request you will give your opinion for general publication. 1st.  Whether in instances of notices to quit their houses and grounds, having been served upon the late apprentices, they are liable to be made to pay rent for the occupation of such house, during the three months allowed by law?

(OPINION.)

They are.

(Signed,)

D O’REILL.

We shall soon see the evil effects of this opinion, it being generally previously understood that the late apprenticed population would not be liable for rent until the three months had expired, after receiving notice to quit.

As a specimen of this being made an instrument of great oppression in the hands of managers of estates, I would state that two notices were yesterday brought to brother Hutchins for his inspection; one was served upon David Clarke, a labourer, on King’s Valley estate, in this parish.  On the back of the notice to quit was written as under;—­

“The rent of your house and grounds is twenty-one pounds six shillings and eight pence, per annum, commencing 1st of August, 1838, if legal.”

(Signed) J. H. JONES.

Mr. Sturge appends the following West India accounts, which be says are in his possession by which it is evident that the planters are bringing their laborers in debt to them, by a spirit of shameless extortion.

Charles Duncan to John Dixon, Dr.
1838.  Sept. 15.  To rent of house
and ground, from 1st of August to
date, 6s. 8d. per week. 2 3 9-1/2
Cr.  By balance, five days, 1s.8d. per day 0 8 4
                                         -------------
                                          1 15 5-1/2
Charles Brown, to John Dixon, Dr.
1838.  Sept. 13.  To rent of house
and ground, 6s. 8d. per week,
from 1st Aug, to date. 2 1 10
Charge for running a sow and pigs,
from 1st Aug. to date, 2s. 6d. per
week 0 15 8-1/2
                                         -------------
                                          2 17 6-1/2