From my general knowledge of the negro character in other countries, as well as the study of it here, I do not consider them by any means a revengeful people.  Petty dislikes are frequent, but any thing like a deep spirit of revenge for former injuries does not exist, nor is it for one moment to be dreaded.

9.  Is there any sense of insecurity arising from emancipation?

Not the most remote feeling of insecurity exists arising from emancipation; far the contrary.  All sensible and reasonable men think the prospects before them most cheering, and would not go back to the old system on any account whatever.  There are some, however, who croak and forebode evil; but they are few in number, and of no intelligence,—­such as are to be found in every community.

10.  What is the prospect for 1840?—­for 1838?

This question is answered I hope satisfactorily above.  On the termination of the two periods no evil is to be reasonably anticipated, with the exception of a few days’ idleness.

11.  Are the planters generally satisfied with the apprenticeship, or would they return back to the old system?

The whole body of respectable planters are fully satisfied with the apprenticeship, and would not go back to the old system on any account whatever.  A few young managers, whose opinions are utterly worthless, would perhaps have no objection to be put again into their puny authority.

12.  Do you think it would have been dangerous for the slaves in this island to have been entirely emancipated in 1834?

I do not think it would have been productive of danger, had the slaves of this island been fully emancipated in 1834; which is proved by what has taken place in another colony.

13.  Has emancipation been a decided blessing to this island, or has it been otherwise?

Emancipation has been, under God, the greatest blessing ever conferred upon this island.  All good and respectable men fully admit it.  This is manifest throughout the whole progress of this mighty change.  Whatever may be said of the vast benefit conferred upon the slaves, in right judgment the slave owner was the greatest gainer after all.

14.  Are the apprentices disposed to purchase their freedom?  How have those conducted themselves who have purchased it?

The apprentices are inclined to purchase their discharge, particularly when misunderstandings occur with their masters.  When they obtain their discharge they generally labor in the trades and occupations they were previously accustomed to, and conduct themselves well.  The discharged apprentices seldom take to drinking.  Indeed the negro and colored population are the most temperate persons I ever knew of their class.  The experience of nearly forty years in various public situations, confirms me in this very important fact.

The answers I have had the honor to give to the questions submitted to me, have been given most conscientiously, and to the best of my judgment are a faithful picture of the working of the apprenticeship in this island, as far as relates to the inquiries made.—­John B. Colthurst, Special Justice of the Peace, District A. Rural Division.