352 . 



At the governor's a dance and fete were 

 given in the evening to the flaves, and we were 

 extremely delighted to fee with how much of 

 real happinefs they enjoyed themfelves* They 

 affembled in the great hall of the government- 

 houfe, having a violin, with the fife and drum 

 for their band. Both negroes and mulattoes 

 danced with an animation and vivacity which 

 befpake them free from care. The governor, 

 his lady, his fifter, feveral gentlemen of the 

 colony, and our party from the fort attended 

 as fpedlators, and were all amufed and gratified 

 in witneffing this merry dance of flaves. While 

 looking upon them at this joyous moment, 

 I bent a thought to Europe, and wiflied that 

 the tattered and indigent fons of liberty could 

 feel as happy. 



Madame Van Battenburg, who is ftudious 

 to promote the comfort of her fable throng, 

 cordially participated in their mirth, and by 

 her cheerfulnefs and vivacity added new wings 

 to the feftive hours. Reflecting that the pea- 

 fants who toil in freedom for their daily bread, 

 have not within their reach fuch complete and 

 cheerful relaxation as was procured to thefe , 

 contented flaves, I became fixed in contem- 



