Slavery.- Antigua

Autograph letter from a Mr Freeland to Mr John Paine Tudway in Wells, Somerset, talking about slaves and the clauses of the Colonial Legislation of 1st August 1834 "I must confess I disapprove much of the provisions of parts of the Bill, particularly the 5th, 6th and 7th. In the first place we cannot expel an evil doer from the estate, let his crime be what it may, whitout the sanction of 2 magistrates...In the next clause we are required by law to supply lodging, medicine, medical care and proper nourishment to the sick, and all other allowances which they are now entitled to as slaves...In the 7 clause it appears [the slave] can leave the Estate and go to another Master if he pleases and can leave his occupation as a labourer, and become any other business if he prefers it, without consulting the master...I sincerely hope the Bill in its present shape will not pass", four pages, folding marks with occasional splitting, remnants of red wax seal, sent by packet, large 4to, 8 January 1834.