A short sketch of temporary regulations (unitl better shall be proposed); for the intended settlement of the Grain Coast of Sierra Leone

by Granville Sharp

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1788 ...is cheap, is, of course, much higher and more valuable than in old established states, the intrinsick value of the labour, in the proposed new settlement, might fairly be estimated at double the pricer of labour in England; but at present I will rate it only at one shilling per day,. on ac,r count of the limitation of eight hours instead of ten, commonly required in. England. About 300 males have already entered their names; which number multiplied by sixty-two, the tax of days work due from each per annum, by this regulation, will produce 18,600 days of labour in a year, due to the publick j which, estimated at the low average rate.of only is. per day, will amount to 930I. per annum. And as the value or expence of labour, when applied to land, (at the ordinary estimation of increase by the products of the earth in return for labour and care) is expected to produce at least triple the amount of the disbursement, even in our northern climates, so the value of 930I. bestowed in labour on the publicklots of land in the fertile and productive climate of Africa, where very little-labour is necessary, might certainly be estimated much but even at the ordinary rate it will amount to 2790I. per annum, which is a very great publick revenue, if it be remembred that it is calculated on the very small number of 300 males, reckoning rich and poor together, which are only the ordinary average number of males in an hundred division, or 100 families of a well established settlement, at the rate of three males to a family. K The The general contribution, which I have proposed, is equally laid on the poor as on the rich, the former being equally capable of paying it, and that certainly with more ease to themselves, by being accustomed to ordinary labour. Nevertheless...

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Aaron Schuschu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering Granville Sharp’s general opinion on slavery, this was an odd one.