The West indies in 1837

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JAMAICA.

which the apprentices are liable. The damage cannot be repaired sometimes for a whole season, and mean­ time they are destitute of food. In this case one of tlie Magistrates promised his interference. There were several valuations ; one of a non-predial, a colored young woman who was very smartly dressed, and who no doubt filled the situation of "housekeeper" to an overseer, or book-keeper. The transaction appeared to be one of rivalry between two plantations underlings, one of whom became responsible for the amount of the valuation. Another case was that of a predial, a girl of seventeen. A witness valued her at ten pounds per an­ num. The magistrate, chosen by her owner, objected to the amount; when the pliant evidence immediately declared, he meant the nett amount, without the usual deduction of one-third for casualties. This deduction was however made. Another apprentice who wished to purchase his time was valued by his master, who described him as a mason and cabinet-maker, at sixtynine pounds per annum. This case was adjourned. It appears to be common in valuations, not only to enu­ merate all the virtues of the apprentices, who are at other times so unscrupulously vilified, but to represent them as very proficient in a number of different and in­ compatible handicraft trades. 5th.—THOMAS BURCHBLL, like his brother mis­ sionary at Falmouth, is engaged in erecting his chapel, which was destroyed after the rebellion. The new building when completed will hold three thousand per­ sons. The late persecution of the missionaries has given an astonishing impulse to their religious labors. The destroyed chapels are replaced by much larger buildings, which are yet inadequate for the accommodation of their hearers. The services of the Sabbath at this station are;


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