Jumby Hall ...

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 Excerpt: ...as 'the boon is to the poor slaves in the island, they are scarcely prepared for it as yet, and it may bring them more misery than they look for. For these reasons, I would recommend delay on the part of the Home Government before putting it into effect. Suppose we were to submit the following:--"After having given careful attention to the Eoyal commands relating to the Emancipation of Slaves in these islands, and considering the frightful disturbances which would be likely to ensue from so suddenly manumitting such a number of them, without first compensating their owners, I most submissively venture to suggest that 'On and after 28th July, 1847, all children born of slave parents, shall be free; and in twelve years slavery shall cease in the Danish West India Possessions.' I repeat, supposing you were to submit this to the Government at home, it would take two months to reach there, a month for a reply, and two months for an answer; that would be five months. In the meantime, we could be preparing the better disposed portion of the community for the change, and ordering our forces in such a manner as to quell any disturbance which might arise on the occasion." "Your advice is indeed excellent," said the Governor. "All that remains then to do, is to draw up the necessary letters which shall be despatched at once to His Majesty the King." This having been done by Lawyer Shilo, His Excellency affixed his signature to the documents, and the following mail bore them to the Mother Country. CHAPTER XIII. A FLAT REFUSAL. HILE these events were transpiring at Government House, young De Witt had become a frequent visitor at Jumby Hall. There was a sweet charm about Amy De Vigne which he could not resist, and almost every day found him ...