Above all, the state of degradation, to which they were
reduced, deserved to be noticed; as it produced an utter inattention to
them as moral agents. They were kept at work under the whip like cattle.
They were left totally ignorant of morality and religion. There was no
regular marriage among them. Hence promiscuous intercourse, early
prostitution, and excessive drinking, were material causes of their
decrease. With respect to the instruction of the slaves in the principles
of religion, the happiest effects had resulted, particularly in Antigua,
where, under the Moravians and Methodists, they had so far profited, that
the planters themselves confessed their value, as property, had been raised
one-third by their increased habits of regularity and industry.
Whatever might have been said to the contrary, it was plainly to be
inferred from the evidence, that the slaves were not protected by law.
Colonial statutes had indeed been passed; but they were a dead letter;
since, however ill they were treated, they were not considered as having a
right to redress. An instance of astonishing cruelty by a Jew had been
mentioned by Mr. Ross. It was but justice to say, that the man was held in
detestation for it; but yet no one had ever thought of calling him to a
legal account.
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