394 J A M A I C A. 



fhould he ever become a flave-holder ; accordingly we are told, that 

 in certain provinces, the flaves are permitted to grow rich enough to 

 become themfelves the buyers and proprietors of flaves. The com- 

 mencement of this bondage therefore in Afric is fo very far from 

 being illegal, that (refpefting the laws and cufloms of that conti- 

 nent) it is univerfally admitted and fandtified by publick notoriety, 

 eftablifhed ufage, and the general full confent of all the inhabitants. 

 Surely, avoj^age from Afric to any other country, where this claim 

 of property is continued, cannot diliblve the bargain. 



In regard to captives of war, fold as flaves, it appears that they 

 come under that flate by an act of their own, which cannot be 

 deemed otherwife than voKintary. It is evident, from the hiftory 

 we have of the Negroe flates, that the mofl: potent among them 

 cannot pretend to be enfured from flavery ; for it may become the 

 lot of every one that ventures a battle. It is confiftent with every 

 maxim of equitv, reafon, and juftice, that a perfon reduced to this 

 clafs, to which he intended reducing his conqueror, does (on the 

 principle of enflaving, or of being cnflaved) fubmit knowingly 

 and voluntarily to the event. Among Chriflian princes at war with 

 each other, Grotius obferves, that this pra6lice of enflaving prifoners 

 has entirely ceafed. But ftill fome (hadow remains among them 

 of the original power, which the- viftorsexerciled over thejr captives. 

 Their perfonal liberty is reftrained, until they eitli'er bind themfelv^s^ 

 not to relume arms, or until a valuable confideration is ]>'aid flar 

 their enlargement ; this confids either of a pecuniary ranfom, or an 

 exchange of man for man, which is the fame as giving value for 

 value. It is faid, that a Negroe chieftain fparcs the life of his 

 captive, which fhews (according to the civilians) that he is under no 

 abfolute necedity of killing him. But Who is to be judge of this 

 neceffity, tlie civilians or the chieftain? This proves only a com- 

 mutation of the mode, by which the chieftain feeks to be rid of, 

 and to deprive his enemy of further capacity to do him hurt. His 

 rage and his fears ufcd formerly to meet fatisfaclion by two v»-ay3, 

 either by putting him to cruel death, ar by holding him in llridl 

 boiidage ; thefe both fecu red him from future attacks. If he fpared 

 his life for a time, it was only to make him drag on a miferable 

 exiilence, under continual hard treatment; and by a lingering mifery 



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