The only remaining topic which, on my plan of delineating only the œconomical oppressions of the system, calls for some distinct notice, is the treatment of slaves when sick; and this has been in some measure anticipated as incidental to the subject of labour.

The witnesses brought forward on the part of the colonies, of course did not omit to represent this branch of treatment, like all the rest, as highly humane and liberal. I will not weary my readers here with particular citations, because they would furnish few or no details, from the examination of which I might refute, or teach European minds how to estimate, those laudatory generalities. I will merely refer to the answers given from the different colonies and their agents to the 11th and 12th standing interrogatories of the Committee of Privy Council; admitting that if true they were satisfactory enough; nay such as might lead our own poor, when sick, to wish themselves lodged in a plantation sickhouse, hothouse, or hospital; for such it has been variously called, by the colonial witnesses and writers in England; though I do not remember to have heard it dignified by the name of hospital, in any West India island.