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4 boats (these are conducted by Slaves for the benefit of their Masters) are hauled up & chained to the shore to prevent any drunken or disaffected Negro escaping to the island of Tortola - for on the arrival of a runaway negro at that island (which is in the vicinity - they are free. Often they can find n work & regurn to St. Thomas' again.

   I met with some planters who complained of 'Emancipation' & 'The Saints'.  Some talk badly of the ruin of the West Indies, but this has yet to be seen.   The produce of Sugar may not be so great for awhile, but then there will be a ? general commercial intercourse & generate consumption of manufactured goods - At all events Slavery is a harsh term, & if Sugar & Rum is to be the principal ? - it is a justified affair - But Slavery as it appeared to me in St. Thomas' is very