Clara was seized by another of the slaves; but was set at liberty after a similar account had been given of her conduct by Dinah and Susan; and they were ordered out of the room, but with such marks of respect as convinced them that they had nothing to fear on their own account; but their distress respecting Mrs. Dormer was great indeed.
In a short time they heard several of the female slaves cry out, “Jasper, Jasper, we find her—come, take de vile wretch away.”
A shriek from Mrs. Dormer convinced Clara and Miss Melville what had happened. They attempted to appease the fury of the slaves by arguments and intreaties; but in vain: they were commanded to be silent; and resistance would have been irrational.
Mrs. Dormer was dragged to the very post at which her cruel orders had frequently been put in execution, and treated by her slaves with as little mercy as she had treated them. Their lives had been spared for future service; but they had no wish to see her survive.
As soon as it was light, Miss Melville and Clara ventured out in search of Mrs. Dormer. Their imaginations had already anticipated the affecting scene. Clara fainted when she saw the mangled body of her parent, and was afterwards conducted by her amiable companion, to the next plantation. A little reflection, however, convinced them that they had nothing to fear from those DISCRIMINATING SLAVES who had deemed them worthy their clemency, at a time they came to execute vengeance on an individual under the same roof.
In a short time Miss Dormer undertook the management of her own affairs; and Miss Melville was still retained, as her friend, adviser, and companion. No slaves were treated so well as those of Miss Dormer; indeed it is improper to call them slaves; for she made them all free; and few plantations ever flourished like hers.
At a time when a dangerous insurrection broke out among the Maroons, over the greatest part of the island, the free men of Clara refused to join in the association; and, by forming a phalanx round their mistress, preserved both her life and property, while those of many others were lost.
The moral of this little history will speak for itself. Humanity is due to all; difference of colour, or inequality of rank, can never warrant the exercise of oppression or injustice; and the abolition of the slave trade, lately effected by the persevering efforts of Mr. Wilberforce and the attention of a discerning legislature, is at once the best security for the peace and prosperity of our colonies, and an honour to the British character.
H. Bryer, Printer, Bridge-Street, Blackfriars.