NEN Gallery

This extract from shows the attitude to the enslaved by John Pinny - the owner of a firm of Planters based in Bristol. The advice here has everything to do with economic considerations rather than humanity. Although conditions on his land were harsh the plantation was far form the worst:

It is unnecessary, I flatter myself, to say a word respecting the care of my slaves and stock - your own good sense must tell you that they are the muscles of a plantation and must claim your particular care and attention. Humanity tempered with justice towards the former must ever be exercised, and when sick I am satisfied they will experience every kindness from you, they surely deserve it, being the very means of our support. The latter must be kept clean from ticks.

Letter, John Pinney to his plantation manager (early 19th Century)