“ The purchase of new negroes having involved the planters greatly in debt was the reason why the Legislature laid it.
These are some of the circumstances, which are intended to shew, that the reverse of the notion or opinion mentioned, is true, that is to say, that it is cheaper to breed than to import. Others are, that wherever estates are mentioned in the evidence as flourishing, and the proprietors of them as clear men, it is where they have adopted the principle of breeding, and of treating the slaves they have had with humanity and care. ”

“ There is one circumstance that leads us strongly to suspect that it is not so well founded as its general prevalence should warrant, which is, that one-third of all that are bought die in the seasoning. This seasoning is not a distemper, but is the time an African takes to be so habituated to the colonial labour, as to be counted an effective supply.
Some Planters, says Woolrich, who have bought lots of slaves, have informed him, that they have lost one-third of them or more in the first year of their seasoning. ”

“ It may also be added here from the evidence, that the breeding of slaves was considered so profitable in some parts of America, that people held them for this purpose alone, independently of any prospect from the fruits of their labour.
↑ Many other advantages appear by the evidence to result from the system of breeding slaves and using them well. Suicide and rebellion are peculiar to the imported slaves. Hence the peace of mind and interest of the proprietor are materially concerned, and it fully appears that such slaves do much more work than others in the same time. ”