A respectable governor also had delivered an opinion to the same effect; but, had he looked into the statute-book of the island, he would have found his error.
It had been said that the slaves were in a better state than the peasantry of this country.

But when the question was put to Mr.Ross, did he not answer, "that he would not insult the latter by a comparison ?" It had been said again, that the Negros were happier as slaves, than they would be if they were to be made free.

But how was this reconcileable with facts?
If a Negro under extraordinary circumstances had saved money enough, did he not always purchase his release from this situation of superior happiness by the sacrifice of his last shilling?
Was it not also notorious, that the greatest reward, which a master thought he could bestow upon his slave for long and faithful services, was his freedom?
It had been said again, that Negros, when made free, never returned to their own country.

But was not the reason obvious?
If they could even reach their own homes in safety, their kindred and connections might be dead.

But would they subject themselves to be kidnapped again; to be hurried once more on board a slave-ship; and again to endure and survive the horrors of the passage?
Yet the love of their native country had been proved beyond a doubt.