He accosted them in a friendly manner: "What does this mean, my fellows, that you are not at work this morning ?" They immediately replied, "It's not because we don't want to work, massa, but we wanted to see you first and foremost to _know what the bargain would be_." As soon as that matter was settled, the whole body of negroes turned out cheerfully, without a moment's cavil.
[Footnote A: It is not unusual in the West Indies for proprietors to commit their own estates into the hands of managers; and be themselves, the managers of other men's estates.] Mr.Bourne, of Millar's, informed us that the largest gang he had ever seen in the field on his property, turned out the _week after emancipation_.
Said Hon.

N.Nugent, "Nothing could surpass the universal propriety of the negroes' conduct on the first of August, 1834! Never was there a more beautiful and interesting spectacle exhibited, than on that occasion." FOURTH PROPOSITION .-- There has been _since_ emancipation, not only _no rebellion in fact_, but NO FEAR OF IT in Antigua.
Proof 1st.

The militia were not called out during Christmas holidays.
_Before_ emancipation, martial law invariably prevailed on the holidays, but the very first Christmas after emancipation, the Governor made a proclamation stating that _in consequence of the abolition of slavery_ it was no longer necessary to resort to such a precaution.

There has not been a parade of soldiery on any subsequent Christmas.[B] [Footnote B: This has been followed by a measure on the part of the Legislature, which is further proof of the same thing.

It is "an Act for amending and further continuing the several Acts at present in force for better organizing and ordering the militia." The preamble reads thus: "WHEREAS the abolition of slavery in this island renders it expedient to provide against an unnecessary augmentation of the militia, and the existing laws for better organizing and ordering that local force require amendment." The following military advertisement also shows the increasing confidence which is felt in the freed men: "RECRUITS WANTED .-- The free men of Antigua are now called on to show their gratitude and loyalty to King WILLIAM, for the benefits he has conferred on them and their families, by volunteering their services as soldiers in his First West India Regiment; in doing which they will acquire a still higher rank in society, by being placed on a footing of perfect equality with the other troops in his Majesty's service, and receive the same bounty, pay, clothing, rations and allowances.
None but young men of good character can be received, and all such will meet with every encouragement by applying at St.John's Barracks, to H.DOWNIE, _Capt.