The origin of this population we learned was the following:  It has long been a law in Barbadoes, that each proprietor should provide a white man for every sixty slaves in his possession, and give him an acre of land, a house, and arms requisite for defence of the island in case of insurrection.  This caused an importation of poor whites from Ireland and England, and their number has been gradually increasing until the present time.

During our stay of nearly two days with Mr. C., there was nothing to which he so often alluded as to the security from danger which was now enjoyed by the planters.  As he sat in his parlor, surrounded by his affectionate family, the sense of personal and domestic security appeared to be a luxury to him.  He repeatedly expressed himself substantially thus:  “During the existence of slavery, how often have I retired to bed fearing that I should have my throat cut before morning, but now the danger is all over.”

We took leave of Lear’s, after a protracted visit, not without a pressing invitation from Mr. C. to call again.

SECOND VISIT TO LEAR’S.

The following week, on Saturday afternoon, we received a note from Mr. C., inviting us to spend the Sabbath at Lear’s, where we might attend service at a neighboring chapel, and see a congregation composed chiefly of apprentices.  On our arrival, we received a welcome from the residents, which reassured us of their sympathy in our object.  We joined the family circle around the centre table, and spent the evening in free conversation on the subject of slavery.

During the evening Mr. C. stated, that he had lately met with a planter who, for some years previous to emancipation, and indeed up to the very event, maintained that it was utterly impossible for such a thing ever to take place.  The mother country, he said, could not be so mad as to take a step which must inevitably ruin the colonies. Now, said Mr. C., this planter would be one of the last in the island to vote for a restoration of slavery; nay, he even wishes to have the apprenticeship terminated at once, and entire freedom given to the people.  Such changes as this were very common.

Mr. C. remarked that during slavery, if the negro ventured to express an opinion about any point of management, he was met at once with a reprimand.  If one should say, “I think such a course would he best,” or, “Such a field of cane is fit for cutting,” the reply would be, “Think! you have no right to think any thing about it. Do as I bid you.”  Mr. C. confessed frankly, that he had often used such language himself.  Yet at the same time that he affected such contempt for the opinions of the slaves, he used to go around secretly among the negro houses at night to overhear their conversation, and ascertain their views.  Sometimes he received very valuable suggestions from them, which he was glad to avail himself of, though he was careful not to acknowledge their origin.