SD1266. Joshua Rowe to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 13, 391 (in part).
Aurundale
3 Sept. ’46
Dear Mr Barrett.
The debates which the packet has brought have realized all your forebodings, I am sorry to see, of the plan of the Minister respecting the sugar duties, but as the scheme of Lord John does not appear to be wholly approved by any section, for party there is more, of the House I hope that considerable modifications will be made in committee– I am glad to find that all West Indies have not forgotten the morality of this question as Lord Brougham <…> shows that he & Lord Denman attach a great importance to the effect which the importation of slave grown sugar will have on the slave trade, by stimulating the energies of those engaged in that horrid traffic to procure a more abundant supply of human beings to sacrifice their lives to the supply of sugar—others will also make a stand in the House of Lords so that I do not think it so certain, as some here do, that the missions will |plot|, as all politicians cannot aim the question as Sir Robert Peel does, not apparently on its merits, or [illegible word], as one which should be supported, but from the difficulty of forming a government should Lord John be compelled to resign—a new election surely & one which if followed out to its full intent, does not give much promise of good or wise legislation– Being in the country I have had no opportunity of conversing with many persons on the subject but those I have seen appear to think that many estates will go out of extinction as not being able to compete with slave colonies– But I hope that should the measure be carried in its present integrity that the energies of the planters, |crowning| & in [illegible word] agriculture will enable this beautiful & fruitful country to rise [illegible word] with the purpose of this measure. England can never be left to slave colonies for her supply of sugar. The West Indies therefore must be upheld–
Mr Risden will I am quite sure be glad to take charge of your properties for the salary you have offered Mr Jump should he refuse it—since proprietors have sent out persons having a knowledge of English farming to manage their estates & I hear that the result has been favourable—there is no mystery & I believe little difficulty in sugar planting; but still a knowledge of the ways of English farmers must be <…> to an attorney & planter
I think you are not aware that the hot house at the Retreat is now the only store & stable on the farm so that if you take it down you could be obliged to put on theirs the roof which could be more expensive than reshingling the building as it now stands– I believe there is a forming opinion that tactic immigration has not answered & the [illegible word] will produce a something [illegible word] into the state of those who are here—there will be no further point of arming for this object I feel has ended. Believe me
Yours very truly
J. Rowe
E. M. Barrett Eqre
Address, on integral page: E. M. Barrett Eqre / Wimpole St / London.
Docket: Sir J. Rowe / Sept 5. 1846. / Recd Octr 7th / Jamaica.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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