Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-07-02
LEVI LINCOLN.
Worcester, June y, 1906.
FROM THE sALKm Rrc1srRR.

ne accounts OF the massacre OF the
whites at st. Domingo, have been con.
tirmed, but il was partial. A few were
saved and from this circumstance we may
conclude that we have not the full history
OF this transaction Ia the mere jealousies
OF the blacks. Malouet, who published
after % years what was submitted to the
government in l775, has given short &C
account Of the slaves, of which we shall
give the substance. l have observed
that the soil is cultivated by negro slaves.
THAT heat will not allow the whites to
labor abroad in the fields. Hence it has
been necessary TO transplant the labor.
ers from their burning climate, and to cs-
tablish by law the dreaded right of the
stranger, which creates The vas, difference
between the master and the slave. Our
manners have an undoubted effect, and all
human colonists render their negroes
more happy than our peasants in France.
But when avarice rules, the black man is
the instrument Of culture, which will be
obtained at the least possible EXPENSE
The rich planters are more indulgeni than
is genraliy thought in Europe, but the
slave OF dishonest or embarrassed plan.
ter is truly to be pitied. A few yards OF
coarse cloth year for his clothing, and a
small piece of ground 10 be cultivated,
when they ought to be at rest, is the SUBJ
stance of slave. The rest of his time, of
his strength, and ofhis hard labor, belong
tn his master, who is severe while the law
without effect, suffers him to escape with.
out punishment. Hence despair, revenge,
poison, and flame. Such are the relati-
ons OF the master and slave. In ST. Do.
mingo then are two governments, with
different principles, that of public auiho-
rity, and domestic rule, Two systems of
power, two ends of restraints, and two
laws of Justice result.-This distinction
has not been enough regarded, and its eff,
feets upon the administration, and the Sc.
curity of the colony. 1fevery thing else
should be well conducted, this object, al.
ways important, has always been wrongly
viewed, and no just conviction has pre-
vailed that this arrangement is sufficient
at length 10 overthrow the colony. We
see crimes multiplied. The black code
was formed when experience gave mock.
istence. The proper relations and the
proper restraint have not been marked, 10
lessen the evils of slavery, and present the
cruelty of those who governed them. If
good planters have been rewarded for
their duty, still cruelty has not found that
protection which was given to the deplo.
rable victims of its barbarity. This Jus.
tice and policy demanded. Both would
afford the slave his necessary rest, his suf.
cienl food, his proper clothing, his rea-
sonable punishment, and full care Of the
sick and infirm. For the colonist who is
not convinced of these duties, the aid of
government cannot be asked. As 10 the
freedom of the blacks, it is impossible,
without The destruction OF the colonies.
But it is possible, useful and indispensa
BILE, to regulate, with more wisdom, the
treatment, and service of the negroes"
But the French government was more
disposed at first TO grant liberty, than pre-.
vent abuse. And by attempts to recall the
liberty they had gwen, they have aggra.
waited all The calamitles of slavery and rem.
dered the misery of the slaves complete.