Note 4 — TO THE RESPECTABLE BODY OF WEST-INDIA PLANTERS and MERCHANTS, THE FOLLOWING POEM IS INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOUR.
Reading edition
That the Africans are in a state of savage wretchedness, appears from the most authentic accounts. Such being the fact, an abolition of the slave trade would in truth be precluding them from the first step towards progressive civilization, and consequently of happiness, which it is proved by the most respectable evidence they enjoy in a great degree in our West-India islands, though under well-regulated restraint. The clamour which is raised against this change of their situation, reminds us of the following passage in one of the late Mr. Hall’s ‘Fables for Grown Gentlemen.’
“’Tis thus the Highlander complains, ’Tis thus the Union they abuse, For binding their backsides in chains, And shackling their feet in shoes; For giving them both food and fuel, And comfortable cloaths, Instead of cruel oatmeal gruel, Instead of rags and heritable blows.”