Many abolitionsists argued that there was not excuse for such inhumanity, that it was a disgrace to humanity:
The Cruelty exercised upon the Negroes is a disgrace to human nature. For the most trifling faults, sometimes for mere whims of their Masters, these poor wretches are tied up and whipped most unmercifully... till there are very little signs of Life... Some of them die under the severity of these barbarities, others put an end to their own lives. If a person kills a slave he only pays his value as a fine. It is not a hanging matter.
Certainly these poor beings meet with some better place on the other side of the Grave, for they have a hell on earth. It appears they know this, for at funerals, instead of weeping and wailing, they dance and sing and appear to be the happiest mortals on earth.
J Cresswell, Journal (1774-7)