From the beginning of the anti-slavery agitations in England, the Barbadians distinguished themselves by their inveterate opposition.

As the grand result approximated they increased their resistance.

They appealed, remonstrated, begged, threatened, deprecated, and imprecated.

They continually protested that abolition would ruin the colony--that the negroes could never be brought to work--especially to raise sugar--without the whip.

They both besought and demanded of the English that they should cease their interference with their private affairs and personal property.
Again and again they informed them that they were wholly disqualified, by their distance from the colonies, and their ignorance of the subject, to do any thing respecting it, and they were entreated to leave the whole matter with the colonies, who alone could judge as to the best time and manner of moving, or whether it was proper to move at all.
We were assured that there was not a single planter in Barbadoes who was known to be in favor of abolition, before it took place; if, however, there had been one such, he would not have dared to avow his sentiments.
The anti-slavery party in England were detested; no epithets were too vile for them--no curses too bitter.