BOOK ir. CHAP. XIII. 347 



from tl^eir refpedlive towns, without leave in writing from their 

 refpeclive commanding officer, under penalty, upon convidfion be- 

 fore two jurtices and three freeholders, of being deprived of free- 

 dom, and tranfported off the ifland : the hke penalty, for enticing 

 Haves to run away. They are alfo forbidden to purchafe flaves, ■ 

 under penalty of forfeiture, and loo/. fine, to be paid by the feller, 

 or other perfon concerned. 



Thefe Negroes, although inhabiting more towns than at firfl-, arc 

 diminifhed in their number by deaths, and cohabitation with flaves 

 on the plantations, indead of intermixing with each other. They 

 have been very ferviceable, particularly the leeward parties, in fup- 

 prefTing feveral infurreftions. Their captains are diftinguiflied with 

 a filver chain and medal, infcribed with their names: they wear 

 cockades, and are regularly commiflioned by the governor. It is 

 cuftomary for the governors to give audience to their chiefs once a 

 year, and confer fome mark of favour, fuch as an old laced coat or 

 waiflcoat, a hat, fword, fufee, or any other articles of the like na- 

 ture, which feem moft acceptable. They are pleafed with thefe 

 diflinftions; and a trifling douceur of this fort beftowed annually, 

 accompanied with expreffions of favour, wins their hearts, and 

 ftrengthens their dutiful attachment. It is probable, they would 

 be much honefler allies, and more faithful liibje£ts, if fome little 

 pains were taken to inftil a few notions of honefly and religion 

 into their minds. The ere6tion of a chapel in each of their towns 

 would be attended with very fmall expence ; and here they might 

 regularly attend divine worfliip once a week. A fmall addition to 

 the re6lor's falary would enable him to vilit and dilcourfe to tiiem 

 occalionally. The white refidents ought to be thoroughly exa- 

 mined by the governor; and^care be taken, that they are men of 

 good morals, fober, and promoters of order and peace in their 

 leveral tov.'ns. They fhould be punifhed with exemplary feverity, 

 whenever found guilty ot oppreflion, or other ill ulage. And the 

 articles of treaty Ihould never be infringed by leglflature, while tlie 

 Negroes conform to them on their part : but, when any deviation is 

 made, it ought in juftice to affecl only the contravenors of them. 

 Good faith, good uiage, and moral inftrudion, as tar as they may 

 be capable of it, are the bed guarantees of their firm allegiance ; a 



Y y 2 different 



