Dearest
Sophie
A letter from
Jamaica
My Dearest Sophie
Or should I now address you as
Mrs. Wynne-to-be?
The Joyful news of your
engagement to my oldest friend
Thomas Wynne fills me with
delight: please accept my warmest
congratulations and love, my
dearest sister
Jamaica
is a shocking land of contrasts: the
life of the Planters was richer and
more elegant than anything I have
ever seen, even in Liverpool: the
stylish Houses in the ports, and the
palaces of those who had gained
wealth by trade, has exceeded my
expectations.
When I first arrived
with my Letters of introduction from
Mr. Saxton, Mr Taylor set me to work
keeping account of the production of his
largest plantation: mercifully, this was
a business of book-keeping and of paying
the duty on Rum, so it did not bring me
into much contact with the everyday
work of the Estates. My life was
comfortable, my expenses few.
And yet,
no-where on the rolling acres of the
plantations, could one fail to be aware
of the suffering of the Slaves: the house
servants, whose privileges were so much
greater, took great care to keep their
advantages by their deference and
civility.
Indeed, such servants were at best
rewarded for their labours by being
treated as pets, rather than human
beings.
On the Plantations,
which to be truthful I avoided
after my first encounter, violent
and vicious discipline is employed
to keep the slaves in their place:
yet, what is worse, is that those
who inflict the punishments are
themselves slaves promoted to
positions of responsibility.
After a particularly
uncomfortable episode
when I intervened to stop the whipping
of a female slave, I was summoned by
the Steward of Mr. Taylor, and told that
if I interfered in the business of the
Farms, I would be no longer in his
employ.
Due to your kindness in telling me of the
noises back in England for the abolition
of the dreadful trade, I saw which way
the wind was blowing: with respect (and
with relief), I informed Mr. Taylor that
I has a chance of work elsewhere, and
left his employ.
So I now find myself a free
man once more
– and I have resolved to have no more to
do with this dreadful trade.
I set out tomorrow for Kingston, to
follow my fortunes – and on the way I
shall find a helpful sea-captain,
homeward bound, to bring you my
letter, and my love and good wishes.
With all my love,
And my good wishes for the future,
Your affectionate Brother
William