It would require men of unusual sternness of principle to face so fierce an array.

Instead of being _independent_ of the planters, their situation is in every respect totally the reverse.
Instead of having a central office or station-house to hold their courts at, as is the case in Barbadoes, they are required to visit each estate in their districts.

They have a circuit from forty to sixty miles to compass every fortnight, or in some cases three times every month.

On these tours they are absolutely dependent upon the hospitality of the planters.

None but men of the "sterner stuff" could escape, (to use the negro's phrase) _being poisoned by massa's turtle soup._ The _character_ of the men who are acting as magistrates is thus described by a colonial magistrate of high standing and experience.
"The special magistracy department is filled with the most worthless men, both domestic and imported.