When I looked at this whole scene I thought it
admirable. It was not merely that England was brought vividly
before my mind; yet, as the evening drew to a close, the domestic
sounds, the fields of corn, the distant undulating country with its
trees, might well have been mistaken for our fatherland: nor was it
the triumphant feeling at seeing what Englishmen could effect, but
rather the high hopes thus inspired for the future progress of this
fine island.
Several young men, redeemed by the missionaries from slavery, were
employed on the farm. They were dressed in a shirt, jacket, and
trousers, and had a respectable appearance. Judging from one
trifling anecdote, I should think they must be honest. When walking
in the fields, a young labourer came up to Mr. Davies and gave him
a knife and gimlet, saying that he had found them on the road, and
did not know to whom they belonged! These young men and boys
appeared very merry and good-humoured. In the evening I saw a party
of them at cricket: when I thought of the austerity of which the
missionaries have been accused, I was amused by observing one of
their own sons taking an active part in the game. A more decided
and pleasing change was manifested in the young women, who acted as
servants within the houses.
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