CHAP, v.] WEST INDIES. 



Since that time, however, the seasons have been fa- 

 vourable; and the crops of 1788, 1789 and 1790, 

 were considerable. May the inhabitants be thankful, 

 that it has thus pleased the Divine Providence to re- 

 member mercy in judgment; and may past misfor- 

 tunes teach them those lessons of fortitude, frugality 

 and foresight, which always alleviate afflictions, and 

 sometimes even convert them into blessings. 



Nothing now remains but to state the value of this 

 island, considered as British property ; of which the 

 estimate is formed as follows; 250,000 negroes at 

 fifty pounds sterling each, make twelve millions and 

 a half; the landed and personal property to which 

 these negroes are appurtenant (including the build- 

 ings) are very fairly and moderately reckoned at 

 double the value of the slaves themselves; making 

 twenty-five millions in .addition to the twelve millions 

 five hundred thousand pounds I have stated before; 

 and in further addition, the houses and property in 

 the towns, and the vessels employed in the trade, are 

 valued at one million five hundred thousand pounds; 

 amounting in the whole to thirty-nine millions of 

 pounds sterling. 



