that previous to the working of emancipation, the slave proprietors wished the abolition of slavery.  Far from it.  But having, though unwillingly, been made witnesses of the operations of freedom; and having themselves tasted of the previously unknown satisfaction of employing voluntary and contented, because free laborers; their minds became enlightened, softened, changed:  and from being the determined opposers, they became themselves the authors of complete emancipation.  I know not in what terms to describe to you the emotions excited by passing through the streets of this populous town on that memorable morning.  There was a stillness and solemnity that might be felt.  It was caused by no display of force, for none was to be seen.  Here and there a policeman going his usual rounds, but not a soldier, nor the slightest warlike preparation of any kind to strike the eye, or overawe the spirit of disorder.

The spirit that seemed to fill the entire population was eminently the spirit of peace, good will, thankfulness and joy too deep, too solemn, to allow of any loud or noisy demonstration of it.  Of course, all stores, shops and offices of every kind were closed.  So also were all places of amusement.  No sound of revelry, no evidences of nightly excess were to be heard or seen.  I do not say too much when I assert that the reign of order, peace, and sobriety, was complete.

To give eclat to an event of such importance, the Governor had ordered one company of militia to attend with him at the cathedral.  It is an immense building, and was crowded in every part of its spacious area, galleries and aisles, with a most attentive assemblage of people, of all colors and conditions.  Several clergymen officiated, and one of them at the opening of the services read most appropriately the 58th chapter of Isaiah.  Imagine for a moment the effect in such an audience, on such an occasion, where were many hundreds of emancipated slaves, of words like these:—­“Is not this the fast that I have chosen, to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” The sermon by the Bishop was, as might have been expected on such an occasion, interesting and impressive.  He spoke with great effect of the unexpected progress of freedom, from island to island, from colony to colony, until, with a solitary exception, upon that day the stain of slavery was obliterated forever from every British possession.  The progress of education, the gradual reformation of morals, and the increasing thirst for religious instruction, were all dwelt upon with great force, and the glory of all ascribed, as was most fit, to the Great Giver of every good and perfect gift.  It was an occasion rich with happy emotions, and long to be remembered as a bright and beautiful spot in the pathway of our earthly pilgrimage.

The close of the day was not less auspicious