“I am aware that their servitude can only be shortened by the interference of His Majesty’s ministers; but my object in addressing you upon the subject is, that you would be pleased to take the case into consideration, and to allow such as are really valuable to Government in different branches, to receive an allowance bearing some proportion to their earnings. I should say, half-a crown a day, including their provisions. “I should not allow this indulgence to be extended to them without long and ample experience of its being duly earned, to be certified by the respective officers. By these means a provision might be laid up for them, and so much energy exerted as to produce the most salutary results. “Many of the blacks have made a considerable progress in learning, but those landed from the ships are only beginning. “I have, &c. “J. BRENTON.” “TO NAVY BOARD.” As the subject of these letters may be useful in directing the public attention to the means of employing a portion of the immense population placed under the control of this country, it is hoped that no other excuse need be assigned for the introduction of one or two more letters respecting the negroes. The next letter is dated, Simon’s Bay, 2nd July, 1815. “GENTLEMEN, “In my letter of the 31st May, I took the liberty of offering a few remarks upon the situation of the black labourers, and requested permission to extend the indulgence to the deserving as occasion might require. The experience of every day teaches me that much good may result to His Majesty’s service, as well as to these people by a constant attention to putting them forward in such branches as they may be best calculated for. “I have already given my opinion on the encouragement which appears due to those, who have become useful as artificers. I have since found that many of them are likely to become expert seamen, from the activity and intelligence they evince in boats employed on various services, and I am anxious to encourage them, by an addition to their pay, and making them leading men. Sixpence a day will I think be ample in the present instance to four of them, and this may stimulate the others to obtain the same advantage. “As there are two seamen allowed on the establishment of the yard, and none borne on the list, which would have been absolutely necessary but for the exertions of these black men; I propose forming a fund for their encouragement, from the amount of the seamen’s wages, by which the estimate for the expense of the yard will not be exceeded. I hope to obtain your sanction to the measure. “I have, &c. “J. BRENTON.” “NAVY BOARD.”