In the testimony on the colonial side, before the privy council and parliamentary committees, it was strongly affirmed, as we have seen, not only that the slaves were abundantly fed, and moderately or very lightly worked, but also that they were sufficiently and properly clothed at the master's expence.

Some of the West India witnesses, indeed, qualified the last proposition by a reference to the climate; thereby making their standard of sufficiency very indefinite, though apparently meaning to admit, that the ordinary amount of clothing was not such as would suffice in this country. But others spoke without any such qualification; and if we refer to their evidence in the reports, they will be found for the most part to have stated the supply of clothing to be adequate, if not even liberal and redundant.

Fortunately, however, for the cause of truth, several of the examinants were led into specifications and details, as to the kinds and quantities of clothing annually supplied; and by these we are enabled to judge what their standard of sufficiency actually was; for in their respective accounts of particulars, numerous though they were, we shall find but little diversity.