* * * * *

On this property, under the same managers as Retrieve, the people state that they are going on shamefully.  “The last Sabbath but one, when we were at service, Stephen Campbell, the book-keeper, and Edward Pulsey, old-time constable, come round and mark all for we house, and charge for ebery one of we family.  We don’t know what kind of fee dis we hab at all; for we attorney, Mr. Tate, neber come on we property, leave all to Mr. Comeoy.  We peak to him for make bargain, him say him can’t make law, and him no make bargain till him heare what law come out in packet.  Him say dem who make bargain are fools; beside him no call up a parcel of niggers to hold service wid me; should only get laughed at.  So we know not what for do.  You are for we minister, and for we only friend; and if you did not advise we to go on work till things settle down, we no lift another hoe.  We would left the property.”  Unless an arrangement is soon entered into, I shall advise them to do so.

James Greenheld, to New Galloway Estate, Dr.
To one week’s rent of house, garden, and
   ground, and to 5 ditto for his wife, Margaret
   Greenfield, at 5s. per week.  L1 10 0

J.G. states, “I come for massa.  When we make bargain with Mr. McNeal, it was a maccaroni (1s. 8d.) a day, and for we house and ground.  Me is able and willing for work, so let my wife stop home; so him charge me de same sum for my wife, as for me own house and ground.  And den last week me sick and get no money, and they charge me over again, (as above) one week me sick.  Me no able for say what to call dat massa, me sure.”

I leave with you to make your own comments, and to do what you please with the above.  Although my chapel is L700 in debt, and my schools, one of 180 and one of 160 scholars, are heavy, very heavy on me, I cannot do other than advise my people to save every mite, buy an acre of land, and by that means be independent, and job about wherever they may be wanted.

FROM THE REV.  T. BURCHELL.

Montego Bay, October 2, 1838.

The reason why I have not written to you so long, is the intensely anxious time we have had.  I feel, however, that it is high time now to address you; for, if our friends in England relax their efforts, my conviction is, that freedom will be more in name than in reality, in this slave-holding Island.  There is nothing to be feared, if the noble band of friends who have so long and so successfully struggled, will but continue their assistance a short time longer.  The planters have made a desperate struggle, and so, I have no doubt, will the House of Assembly, against the emancipated negroes.  My firm conviction has been, and still is, that the planters have endeavored, by the offer of the most paltry wages, to reduce the condition of the laborer, and make him as badly off as he was when an apprentice or a slave, that he may curse the day that made him free.