Jamaica, Feb-Apr 1839, Despatches from Sir Lionel Smith, governor of Jamaica, on the subject of 'Free Labourers' : Order; Address; Report; List; Memorandum; Public notice; Newspaper clipping; Financial document; Returns; Correspondence Feb-Apr 1839.

Format:

Other

Language:

English

Genre:

Speeches.

Physical Description:

1 online resource.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Despatches from Sir Lionel Smith, governor of Jamaica, on the subject of 'Free Labourers'. Described at item level. CO 137/242/1. Transmits returns from the magistrate of 'cases of ejectments, contracts and vagrancy' as required by the secretary of state. No. 39, folios 2-25A. 05/02/1839. CO 137/242/2. Forwards reports from certain of the stipendiary magistrates, and draws attention to those of Chamberlain, Pringle, Baynes and Ramsay as bearing directly on the resolutions adopted at public meetings of planters in St Thomas in the East, Clarendon and Saint Dorothy's. With an extract from the Morning Journal of 26 January 1839, and a printed notice detailing rent to be charged to tenants on the Golden Grove estate for accommodation, use of provisions grounds and pasturage. No. 41, folios 26-83. 06/02/1839. CO 137/242/3. Forwards a letter from John Purrier, the custos of Hanover, as chairman of a public meeting, with a printed copy of a 'Report upon the actual state of the Labouring Population and of the Sugar Cultivation of the Parish of Hanover'. States that most of the parishes have held public meetings in order to supply the island's agent with information that they hope will 'establish the truth of their representations that the ruin of the proprietors will be the consequence of the absolute freedom of the labouring population'. No. 47, folios 84-94. 23/02/1839. CO 137/242/4. Forwards reports from the stipendiary magistrates on the agricultural state and prospects of the island, and considers that their general character provides grounds for confidence in the 'final results of emancipation affecting the cultivation of the soil and the consequent prosperity of this colony'. Believes that negative reports come primarily from managers who have failed to establish a good understanding with their labourers. Hopes that proprietors in the UK can be persuaded that there are many overseers whose 'character for harshness and unkindness is so well established that it is perfectly idle to expect that the Laborers will enter into any permanent engagements with or feel any confidence in them'. Further suggests that Mr Burge, the agent in London, should be asked to state the names and professions of any persons instructing him since he believes that many representations are put forward by people other than employers of plantation labour. With numerous enclosures including details of rent payable by named tenants of Corby Castle plantation [St Elizabeth?] and another unnamed estate. No. 53, folios 95-241. 25/02/1839. CO 137/242/5. Forwards an address from 'the lately enfranchised slaves and inhabitants of the parish and town of Port Royal', together with his reply. The address comments on the current refusal of the majority of members of the House of Assembly to continue with the business of the colonial government, and declares the continuing loyalty of the 189 signatories to Queen Victoria and to the governor. Signatures are not included but accompanying resolutions are signed by James Taylor, chairman of the meeting which passed them. No. 63, folios 242-249A. 22/03/1839. CO 137/242/6. Forwards a printed report drawn up by a committee of planters in the parish of St James on the 'Actual States of the Labouring Population and of the Sugar Cultivation'. Also forwards returns from the stipendiary magistrates which he believes exhibit the improved state of the colony in every respect. No. 65, folios 250-333. 23/03/1839. CO 137/242/7. Responds to secretary of state's request for his observations on Act No. 3294 relating to landlords and tenants. States that its provisions are 'very ill suited to the class of tenantry against whom in this country it is principally brought into operation'. Encloses a statement of the working of the legislation from Richard Hill, one of the stipendiary magistrates, who considers it inappropriate for dealing with small tenants and suggests its amendment along the lines of current Irish legislation. No. 72, folios 334-344. 05/04/1839. CO 137/242/8. Forwards reports from the stipendiary magistrates, detailing the progress of agriculture and the manufacture of sugar, which he considers to be highly satisfactory. Draws particular attention to the report of Messrs Lyon, Kelly and Dillon refuting statements put forward by a committee of planters in Trelawney. With numerous enclosures including printed copies of notices issued to individuals in St Georges requiring them to leave accommodation and land within three months or at the expiration of their apprenticeship, and a letter from William Knibb and officers of the Baptist churches printed in the Falmouth Post and addressed to 'the proprietors of sugar estates residing in England, and to the friends of freedom throughout the world'. No. 74, folios 345-427. 06/04/1839. CO 137/242/9. Acknowledges receipt of a despatch approving his conduct in a difficult period. States that any continuing difficulties in ensuring regular labour on particular estates originate in causes entirely beyond the control of the Government, and, contrary to the claims of planters, are in no way the result of 'improper interference' or advice of the stipendiary magistrates or the Baptist missionaries. No. 79, folios 428-432. 22/04/1839. CO 137/242/10. Acknowledges receipt of a despatch in which the secretary of state notes that he has been informed that 'considerable misunderstanding still prevailed in the mind of the Negro, as to a supposed right on his part to his House and Provision Ground', and asks the governor to ensure that this impression is removed. States that the position had been made clear in his proclamation and verbal addresses prior to emancipation, and that magistrates have subsequently been asked to ensure that the position is understood. No. 80, folios 433-434. 22/04/1839. CO 137/242/11. Forwards copy of a letter from the Reverend Mr Burchell and the Reverend Dr Dency, Baptist missionaries, with two tabular statements of the numbers of members of their congregations at work on certain estates in the parish of St James, and the number of children attending their schools. Explains that the statements were complied to refute certain claims made by planters. No. 83, folios 435-439. 23/04/1839. CO 137/242/12. Forwards letters from the stipendiary magistrates which complete the agricultural reports for March. Draws particular attention to the letter from Mr Daly of St Andrew 'a parish in which there were many disagreements and difficulties at the commencement, and for some time after, the establishment of freedom'. No. 86, folios 440-467. 25/04/1839.

Notes:

AMDigital Reference:CO 137/242.

CO 137.