ANTIGUA.
49
Several properties in this situation were on the point of being abandoned. Nothing could have saved them but a legislative measure of Emancipation. A proper ty was instanced, possessing four hundred of the finest negros in the island, which appeared to be inextricably involved. The proprietor, residing in England, had turned his back upon it, and refused to receive or an swer, the letters of his agent, who was thereby placed in a most painful situation. He had no means of car rying on the cultivation ; he could get no help from home ; and though a man of humanity, was embarras sed by prosecutions for not furnishing the people with the legal sujjplies. On the passing of the Emancipa tion Bill, the compensation money enabled the mort gagees to make some settlement of the affairs ; super fluous hands, or rather mouths, were dismissed ; the cultivation resumed with a fair prospect of success ; and " t h e agent has been a happy man ever since." With regard to the general welfare of the colony, he told us that the proprietary body are more prosperous than before. Some estates have thrown off their load of debt, others have passed into the possession of capitalists, by whom their cultivation can be more effectively carried on. An estate was mentioned which cost, ten years ago, forty thousand pounds. He would give as much for this very estate now without the slaves, and consider it a safer and better investment. Another small estate was instanced, belonging to three e([ual proprietors. Just before Emancipation two of them sold their shares for one thousand five hundred pounds currency each ; the third now stands out for more, one proof amongst many, that property has risen in value. Every one acquainted with the town of St. John's will acknowledge, that it Is much more bustling and prosF