"The opinions of the clergymen and missionaries, with the exception of, I believe, a few clergymen, were favorable to emancipation; but neither in their conduct, preaching, or prayers, did they declare themselves openly, until the measure of abolition was determined on. The missionaries felt restrained by their instructions from home, and the clergymen thought that it did not comport with their order 'to take part in politics!' I never heard of a single _planter_ who was favorable, until about three months before the emancipation took place; when some few of them began to perceive that it would be advantageous to their _interests_. Whoever was known or suspected of being an advocate for freedom, became the object of vengeance, and was sure to suffer, if in no other way, by a loss of part of his business. My son-in-law[A], my son[B], and myself, were perhaps the chief marks for calumny and resentment. The first was twice elected a member of the Assembly, and as often put out by scrutinies conducted by the House, in the most flagrantly dishonest manner. Every attempt was made to deprive the second of his business, as a lawyer. With regard to myself, I was thrown into prison, without any semblance of justice, without any form of trial, but in the most summary manner, simply upon the complaint of one of the justices, and without any opportunity being allowed me of saying one word in my defence. I remained in jail until discharged by a peremptory order from the Colonial Secretary, to whom I appealed."--_James Scotland, Sen., Esq._ [Footnote A: Dr. Ferguson, physician in St. John's.] [Footnote B: James Scotland, Jun., Esq., barrister, proprietor, and member of Assembly.] Another gentleman, a white man, was arrested on the charge of being in the interest of the English Anti-Slavery party, and in a manner equally summary and illegal, was cast into prison, and confined there for one year. From the foregoing statements we obtain the following comparative view of the past and present state of sentiment in Antigua. Views and conduct of the planters previous to emancipation: 1st. They regarded the negroes as an inferior race, fit only for slaves. 2d. They regarded them as their rightful property. 3d. They took it for granted that negroes could never be made to work without the use of the whip; hence, 4th. They supposed that emancipation would annihilate sugar cultivation; and, 5th. That it would lead to bloodshed and general rebellion. 6th. Those therefore who favored it, were considered the "_enemies of their country_"--"TRAITORS"--and were accordingly persecuted in various ways, not excepting imprisonment in the common jail. 7th. So popular was slavery among the higher classes, that its morality or justice could not be questioned by a missionary--an editor--or a _planter_ even, without endangering the safety of the individual.