WEST INDIES. 
CHAP. I.] 
2 '25 
I believe that no man, who is acquainted with 
the general conduct and disposition of the same 
class of people in our own islands, will doubt that 
they would act as benevolently and humanely, un¬ 
der similar circumstances, as those of Carthagena. 
Their tenderness, as nurses, towards the sick; 
their disinterested gratitude and attachment where 
favours are shewn them; and their peaceable de¬ 
portment under a rigourous system of laws, and the 
influence of manners still more oppressive, afford 
great room to lament, that a more enlightened and 
liberal policy is not adopted towards them. The 
enfranchisement of such as are enslaved, Christian 
instruction to the whole, and encouragement to 
their industry, would, in time, make them a use¬ 
ful and valuable class of citizens; induce them to 
intermarry with each other, and render their pre¬ 
sent relaxed and vicious system of life, as odious in 
appearance as it is baneful to society.* 
* The Rev. Mr. Ramsay has enlarged on the same idea concern¬ 
ing these unfortunate people. tc Children of mulatto women, he ob- 
“ serves (meaning, I presume, their children by white men) should 
“ he declared free from their birth. Intendants should be appointed 
“ to see them placed out in time to such trade or business as may best 
“ agree with their inclination and the demands of the colony: this 
“ should be done at the expense of their fathers, and a sufficient sum 
<l might be deposited in the hands of the church-wardens, soon, after 
“their birth, to answer the purpose; the intendant keeping the 
“ church-wardens to their duty. By these means the number of free 
“ citizens would insensibly increase in the colonies, and add to their 
“ security and strength. A new rank of citizens, placed between. 
“ the black and white races, would be established. They would na- 
* ( turaily attach themselves to the white race as the most honourable 
Voi. ir. f f 
