ABSTRACT
WHEN the 1st of August, 1838, had passed, a succession of difficulties demanded the attention of the governor. Before the day of full emancipation, indications had not been wanting to show on how insecure and unsatisfactory a footing the future position of master and labourer was placed. In one respect, the latter seemed to be entirely in the power of the former, for his cottage and the little garden around it, together with the provision lands he cultivated, were on the estate of the master, who might summarily dispossess him if at all unruly. Under any circumstances, the adjustment of the grave questions which arise when a long enslaved people are suddenly restored to freedom, must be of a character to demand the highest statesmanship.
