So wide was the field before them, and so rich and various the fruit to be gathered, that they were tempted to go far beyond the strength supplied by the failing health they carried with them.  Most nobly did they postpone every personal consideration to the interests of the cause, and the reader will, we think, agree with us, that they have achieved a result which undiminished energies could not have been expected to exceed—­a result sufficient, if any thing could be, to justify the sacrifice it cost them.  We regret to add that the labors and exposures of Mr. Kimball, so far prevented his recovery from the disease[A] which obliged him to resort to a milder climate, or perhaps we should say aggravated it, that he has been compelled to leave to his colleague, aided by a friend, nearly the whole burden of preparing for the press—­which, together with the great labor of condensing from the immense amount of collected materials, accounts for the delay of the publication.  As neither Mr. Thome nor Mr. Kimball were here while the work was in the press, it is not improbable that trivial errors have occurred, especially in the names of individuals.

[Footnote A:  We learn that Mr. Kimball closed his mortal career at Pembroke, N.H.  April 12th, in the 25th year of his age.  Very few men in the Anti-Slavery cause have been more distinguished, than this lamented brother, for the zeal, discretion and ability with which he has advocated the cause of the oppressed.  “Peace to the memory of a man of worth!”]

It will be perceived that the delegates rest nothing of importance on their own unattested observation.  At every point they are fortified by the statements of a multitude of responsible persons in the islands, whose names, when not forbidden, they leave taken the liberty to use in behalf of humanity.  Many of these statements were given in the handwriting of the parties, and are in the possession of the Executive Committee.  Most of these island authorities are as unchallengeable on the score of previous leaning towards abolitionism, as Mr. McDuffie of Mr. Calhoun would be two years hence, if slavery were to be abolished throughout the United States tomorrow.

Among the points established in this work, beyond the power of dispute or cavil, are the following: 

1.  That the act of IMMEDIATE EMANCIPATION in Antigua, was not attended with any disorder whatever.

2.  That the emancipated slaves have readily, faithfully, and efficiently worked for wages from the first.

3.  That wherever there has been any disturbance in the working of the apprenticeship, it has been invariably by the fault of the masters, or of the officers charged with the execution of the “Abolition Act.”

4.  That the prejudice of caste is fast disappearing in the emancipated islands.

5.  That the apprenticeship was not sought for by the planters as a preparation for freedom.

6.  That no such preparation was needed.