Mr.Ross conceived a master had a right to punish his slave in whatever manner he might think proper.

The same was declared by numberless other witnesses.

Some instances, indeed, had lately occurred of convictions.

A master had wantonly cut the mouth of a child, of six months old, almost from ear to ear.

But did not the verdict of the jury show, that the doctrine of calling masters to an account was entirely novel; as it only pronounced him "Guilty, subject to the opinion of the court, if immoderate correction of a slave by his master be a crime indictable!" The court determined in the affirmative; and what was the punishment of this barbarous act ?--A fine of forty shillings currency, equivalent to about twenty-five shillings sterling.
The slaves were but ill off in point of medical care.