An Essay on the Treatment and Conversion of African Slaves in the British Sugar Colonies Cambridge Library Collection - Slavery and Abolition Series

Sugar cane plantations had operated across almost every island in the West Indies since the seventeenth century. Run by British planters, they relied on slavery as their main source of labour. A surgeon and Anglican minister, James Ramsay (1733?89) witnessed at first hand the exploitation of African slaves in Britain's West Indian colonies. Working there for over twenty years, as both a Christian missionary and a practising surgeon, he became keenly involved in the campaign to improve the welfare of slaves. This extended essay, first published in 1784, was an early and highly influential contribution to the anti-slavery movement, generating both enlightened acclaim and deep opposition. Analysing the relationships between slaves and their masters, discussing the role of slaves in society, and proposing various measures to improve their lives, this work remains a relevant text in Caribbean and colonial history.

Preface; 1. Of the various ranks in social life; 2. The advancement of slaves would augment their social importance; 3. The advancement of slaves must accompany their religious importance; 4. Natural capacity of African slaves vindicated; 5. Plan for the improvement and conversion of African slaves.