1832. 



SLAVERY IN BRAZIL. 



61 



cotton : but who will embark much capital upon so insecure a 

 foundation as is there offered ? 



The immense extent and increase of the slave population is 

 an evil long foreseen and now severely felt. Humanely as the 

 Brazilians in general treat their slaves, no one can suppose 

 that any benevolence will eradicate feelings excited by the 

 situation of those human beings. Hitherto the obstacles to 

 combinations and general revolt among the negroes, have been 

 ignorance, mutual distrust, and the fact of their being natives 

 of various countries, speaking different languages, and in many 

 cases hostile to each other, to a degree that hardly their hatred 

 of white men can cause them to conquer, even for their imme- 

 diate advantage. 



The slave trade has already entailed some of its lamentable 

 consequences upon the Brazilians, in demoralizing them by ex- 

 treme indolence, and its sure accompaniment, gross sensuality; 

 but there are in store afflictions hitherto unfelt, occasioned by 

 the growing hordes of enemies who are yearly causing more 

 perplexity and dread in the territories of Brazil. 



Could the Brazilians see clearly their own position, unani- 

 mously condemn and prevent the selfish conduct of individuals, 

 emancipate the slaves now in their country, and decidedly 

 prevent the introduction of more, Brazil would commence a 

 career of prosperity, and her population would increase in an 

 unlimited degree. In that immense and most fertile country, 

 distress cannot be caused by numerous inhabitants ; food is 

 abundant, and the slight clothing required in so warm a climate 

 is easily procured. 



The chief, if not the only cause of the slave trade in Brazil; 

 is want of population — want of an industrious population, 

 able as well as willing to clear away primeval forests, and 

 render the soil fit for culture — able to work in the open 

 fields under a hot sun, to cultivate the sugar cane, cotton 

 plants, mandioca, and other productions of tropical climates. 



While this extensive and most powerful cause exists, selfish, 

 unprincipled owners of immense territories in Brazil, and else- 

 where, will not refrain from importing hundreds, even thou- 



